Putin, Pezeshkian Talk ‘Peace’ in Turkmenistan While Fueling War in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian discussed peace during a meeting in Turkmenistan on Oct. 8, reaffirming a strategic partnership that has bolstered Russia's war in Ukraine. The two leaders convened ahead of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in Avaza, situated on the Caspian Sea coast. Both nations have bolstered political, military, and economic ties in the face of significant Western sanctions.

Pezeshkian utilized the meeting to criticize Washington's foreign policy, express gratitude to Moscow for its diplomatic support, and announce that Tehran was preparing revised proposals to end its conflict with the US. Putin welcomed the bilateral relationship under the comprehensive strategic partnership agreement signed in January 2025, portraying Iran as seeking peace rather than bearing responsibility for the regional conflict. He assured Tehran that Russia was prepared to aid in resolving the situation.

In response, Pezeshkian praised Moscow and criticized Washington's attempts to dictate global policy. The Iranian president emphasized the shared commitment of Russia and Iran to resisting unilateralism and mentioned ongoing indirect diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Washington. He also revealed that Iran had revised its proposal for a peaceful settlement and would communicate the results once finalized.

The Avaza meeting highlighted the security implications of Russia's military partnership with Iran. Iran's Shahed attack drones, delivered under Tehran's design, are instrumental in Russia's strikes against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Moscow initially depended on Iranian drone supplies before developing domestic production of Iranian-designed systems, allowing Russia to escalate the scale and frequency of its attacks.

Western governments have also expressed concerns over Iranian transfers of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, heightening worries about further military cooperation. The relationship extends beyond armaments; Russia's extensive battlefield experience in Ukraine, particularly in drone technology and electronic warfare, has raised apprehensions that military expertise could be transferred back to Tehran.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned about the broader consequences of military collaboration between Moscow and Tehran.