On June 24, 2025, acting on the direct instruction of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, successfully evacuated 31 Ukrainian citizens from the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Among the evacuees were five men, 12 women, and 14 children.
Thanks to coordinated efforts and support from international partners, the evacuation was carried out via a transit route through the Republic of Azerbaijan and onward to the Republic of Moldova. All evacuees are now en route to Kyiv.
"While we were in Tehran, we felt completely unprotected. There were no air raid sirens at all. Then, the internet was cut, and we didn't know what was happening. We're deeply grateful to the Ukrainian consulate in Tehran, which stayed in touch the whole time. I know there's a war in Ukraine too — but our country doesn't abandon its people," said Varvara, an evacuee from the Kyiv region.
This evacuation marked the final phase of a joint operation by the DIU and MoFA of Ukraine to rescue Ukrainian citizens from high-risk zones in both Israel and Iran.
"When the shelling began, it felt even scarier than in Ukraine. Once we heard there was a chance to leave, we made our way north, where Ukrainians from across Iran were gathering. We're so thankful to everyone who made this happen. We're finally going home," said Natalia, another evacuee.
Just days earlier, in a separate operation, 176 people were evacuated from Israel, including 133 Ukrainian citizens.
Ukraine expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, official representatives of the Republic of Moldova, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Azerbaijan, Yuriy Husyev, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel, Yevhen Korniichuk, for their assistance in making this evacuation possible.
Special thanks also go to SkyUp Airlines for their continued support in conducting evacuation missions.
Ukraine will continue taking all necessary measures to protect its citizens — regardless of location. The safety of every Ukrainian is a top state priority.
Ukrainian citizens currently in Iran who wish to return home are encouraged to contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Iran via: http://iran.mfa.gov.ua