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Russia has been accused of helping Hamas terrorists by providing them with tactical knowledge and weapons.<\/p>\n
Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry, argued Tehran and Moscow’s involvement in the conflict between Hamas and Israel mirrors their role in the war in Ukraine.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Ukrainska Pravda, Mr Budanov suggested Russia may have supplied Hamas invaders with captured Ukrainian weapons.<\/p>\n
He also noted how Palestinian militants employed tactics reminiscent of the Ukrainian war during their assault on the weekend, using for example FPV drones against armoured vehicles.<\/p>\n
He claimed: “This know-how is borne of our war. No one else could do this except those who have experienced our battlefield. Since we were not there, it must have been the Russians.”<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Putin blindsided by Israel attack with no idea what to do next<\/strong><\/p>\n Ukraine’s intelligence chief also claimed that, during a visit to Iran by a Russian military delegation, Tehran sought Moscow\u2019s help for Middle East intelligence operations.<\/p>\n While the conflict between Hamas and Tel Aviv is currently contained within the Israeli borders, Mr Budanov warned there are elements that could turn it into a global war.<\/p>\n He said: “Looking at the geography as a whole, we see several conflicts that may seem regional at first glance, apart from Ukraine.”<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> He added: “Yet they are all interconnected, with the same countries embroiled in these processes.”<\/p>\n The war between Hamas terrorists and Israel is deemed dangerous by Ukraine, particularly given Iran has warned that if attacks on Gaza continue the conflict may open “on other fronts”.<\/p>\n If Tehran-backed Hezbollah were to start launching consistent missile attacks from the north, Israel’s Iron Dome defence system may become overwhelmed.<\/p>\n Mr Budanov said: “The situation is under control for now. What happens next remains to be seen.”<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n The intelligence chief’s interview comes as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed in his daily address on Thursday that “Russia is interested in the worst-case scenario in the Middle East”.<\/p>\n Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin’s spokesperson, had previously slammed a similar allegation by Kyiv, saying it had “absolutely no grounds at all”.<\/p>\n Earlier this week, the Kremlin said it was engaging in diplomatic efforts to see the parties reach a settlement.<\/p>\n While Hamas isn’t a proscribed terror group in Russia, Moscow has in recent years enjoyed good relations with Israel – which refused to enforce anti-Russian sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/ukraine-russia-hamas-5009741.jpg?r=1697185111425\")
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