In a compelling address, Yulia Tymoshenko, Ukraine’s former Prime Minister, condemned the Iranian regime for its oppressive domestic policies and aggressive international actions, emphasizing its support for Russia’s war on Ukraine. Speaking at an international conference in Paris on January 11, Tymoshenko accused Tehran of facilitating the deaths of Ukrainian civilians through the supply of drones and missiles to Russia, linking Iran’s activities to the broader threat of authoritarian regimes worldwide.
Tymoshenko praised the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) and its Ten-Point Plan, advocating for a democratic and secular Iran founded on gender equality and human rights. She called on governments to acknowledge the NCRI as the legitimate voice of the Iranian people and to provide moral and political support for Iran’s organized resistance.
Drawing a powerful connection between Ukraine’s fight for independence and Iran’s struggle for freedom, Tymoshenko lauded the leadership of Iranian women in the resistance. “Your courage inspires women worldwide,” she stated. Tymoshenko concluded by asserting that the regime’s downfall is inevitable and crucial for fostering global peace and stability.
A translated version of Yulia Tymoshenko’s speech follows:
Dear Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, dear friends, members of our conference, participants of our conference, esteemed and free democratic people of Iran, Ashraf 3, I also greet you all.
Today, we are all here to condemn a regime whose cruelty and aggression go far beyond its borders. The Iranian regime is one of the most serious challenges to the entire global world and its stability.
This is a force that not only oppresses its own people but also exports terrorism, fuels conflicts and undermines democracy worldwide. This force must be immediately stopped, and the democratic world is fully capable of doing so.
As a Ukrainian, I cannot help but emphasize the total connection between the actions of the Iranian regime and the war Russia has unleashed against my country. By supplying drones, missiles, and other military support to Russia, the Iranian leadership has become complicit in all the bloody murders in Ukraine.
The murders of children, peaceful families, and our soldiers—these are all being committed by Russia with Iran’s help, and this cannot be ignored. However, it has already been mentioned today that despite its aggression, the Iranian regime is weaker today than ever before.
Within the country, it is facing a serious economic crisis.
Hyperinflation, high unemployment, and total corruption have caused mass dissatisfaction among the people. This, of course, is accompanied by protests, strikes, and demonstrations, which have become an almost daily reaction.
I can tell you that you must not stop protesting, striking, and demonstrating, because Ukraine knows that this works against dictatorships and is the path to liberation.
Be strong on this path. The regime is trying to act against you with harsh repression, including mass executions, but do not let this weaken you.
All these actions only demonstrate the regime’s weakness and despair. They should only strengthen your resistance and drive you forward.
On the international stage, Iran is facing total defeats. I cannot recall such vivid examples of this in history. The weakening of its allies, Hezbollah, and the loss of influence in Syria further isolate this regime. Recently, it became known that Tehran is ramping up its nuclear programs in an attempt to maintain power.
I want to tell you that similarly when Russia starts losing on the fronts in Ukraine, they immediately resort to nuclear blackmail. Do not fear this; it only shows the weakness of each regime. Their declarations about nuclear weapons are merely signs of desperation.
We must understand everything and do everything to ensure that the weakness of the Iranian regime is fully exploited by both the world and the Iranian people.
On the international stage, Iran is suffering strategic defeats, but its support for Russia in the war against Ukraine is a glaring example of the destabilizing influence of this regime globally.
At today’s conference “New Policy toward the Iranian Regime” @YuliaTymoshenko said: Today, we gather to confront a regime whose oppression and aggression extend far beyond its own borders. The Iranian regime stands as one of the gravest threats to global peace and stability—a… pic.twitter.com/4EcgHp5p2I
— SIMAY AZADI TV (@en_simayazadi) January 11, 2025
By supplying weapons to Russia, Iran has joined the attack on sovereignty, democracy, and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. This weaponry not only kills Ukrainians but, unfortunately, inspires authoritarian regimes worldwide.
The actions of the Iranian regime in Ukraine have serious international consequences. They exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and create an even more unstable global environment.
This should serve as a strong signal to the international community that appeasement policies towards this regime have failed and must not continue.
Decades of concessions have only strengthened Tehran. We need decisive actions to weaken this regime and support those fighting for freedom in Iran. Fortunately, Iran’s future does not have to reflect its repressive past. The Iranian people, led by the National Council of Resistance of Iran, demonstrate incredible courage in their struggle for freedom.
Under the strong and wise leadership of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, they have presented a clear plan for a free and democratic Iran. This plan consists of ten clear points that encompass values fundamental to the entire democratic world: freedom, democracy, free elections, and gender equality.
By the way, as I look at the screen, I notice a visible example of gender inequality because there are significantly more women here, which is very good. I must say that the role of women in this struggle is particularly inspiring, honestly.
As a woman who has also endured a challenging fight, seeing the struggle of other women gives me strength. Women in Iran are at the forefront of resistance, and when they chant “woman, life, freedom,” these words have already evolved into a slogan: “woman, resistance, freedom,” because these are inseparable concepts.
All brave women, leaders of protests, members of underground movements, and symbols of courage are at the heart of the movement to overthrow the regime.
Their struggle inspires women worldwide. I can tell you that today, when Ukrainian women are holding rifles, effectively using artillery, leading humanitarian initiatives, and standing strong in the face of aggression, they take examples from Iranian women. You are a powerful example.
Glory to the Iranian women who are symbols of resilience.
Dear friends, the Iranian people are not asking for military intervention or financial aid. They are merely asking for moral and political support—just moral and political support.
It is time to clearly and publicly recognize the NCRI as the legitimate voice of the Iranian people. This recognition will send a strong signal to Tehran that the world supports those fighting for freedom and not those clinging to dictatorship and violence.
Moreover, the alliance between the Iranian regime and Russia highlights the necessity for resolute actions. Just as the world supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, we must also support the Iranian people in their struggle.
To support them means, first, to condemn Iran’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and expose its role in fueling the conflict. Second, sanctions against the regime should be strengthened, cutting off its financial flows and access to resources, and to ensure these sanctions are effective, not merely symbolic. Third, to hold Tehran accountable for its nuclear programs and enforce strict adherence to international norms.
Hon. Yulia Tymoshenko, ex-Prime Minister of Ukraine, stands in support of Iran's resistance and the struggle for a free, democratic, secular republic in Iran.
We are proud to see strong female leaders united in standing against Iran's threats. #FreeIran2025 #NCRIAlternative pic.twitter.com/XcPN53RnL5— APA-ICE (@APA_ICE) January 11, 2025
International norms must not be empty words; they must be upheld, particularly with regard to Tehran. This must be a priority.
Lastly, I emphasize again that recognizing and morally and politically supporting the Iranian people and their organized resistance is our duty, not an option.
Ladies and gentlemen, the fall of the Iranian regime is only a matter of time. The courage of the Iranian people, the resilience of their organized resistance, and the leadership of Mrs. Maryam Rajavi make this inevitable.
A free Iran will not only liberate its people but also remove a destabilizing force from the global arena, contributing to peace in the Middle East and far beyond. The power of solidarity cannot be underestimated. Just as Ukraine fights for its sovereignty, democracy, and territorial integrity, so too does the Iranian people fight for their freedom.
Both struggles are deeply interconnected, representing the universal fight between tyranny and freedom, oppression and justice.
Together, we can ensure that the future belongs to those who fight for freedom.
Together, we can win. Together, we will build a world where no regime, whether in Tehran or Moscow, can hold its people or neighbors hostage. Let us achieve this together. Ukraine stands with you, free people of Iran.
