Hedging their bets ?
Belarus and Iran congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day
Belarus and Iran have both sent their congratulations to Ukraine on its 33rd year of independence from the former Soviet Union, despite the two countries' close ties with russia.
According to Belarusian newsagency Belta, president Aleksandr Lukashenko said his citizens have "always had a special respect and warm regard" for the Ukrainian people.
"We are united not only by the common fate and family ties, but also by the desire to be friends and get along with neighbours," he was cited as saying.
Belarus acted as a staging post for russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Mr Lukashenko is one of Vladimir Putin's key allies.
Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign ministry published a message on social media saying it was congratulating the government and people of Ukraine on its independence.
Tehran is alleged to have provided Moscow with hundreds of deadly drones, as well as other weapons, for use in its war on Ukraine.
@ukrainejournal