Russian propaganda actively promotes the same idea: allegedly Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the conflict around Iran are ‘identical wars.’ The logic of this thesis is simple. If you support Ukraine, then you should support Iran as well. If not, then you have ‘double standards.’
This narrative is actively spread by Russian propagandists on social networks, on television channels, and in international discussions, where Moscow tries to present itself as part of some global struggle against the ‘West.’ However, upon closer analysis, it becomes obvious: these two conflicts have fundamentally different natures — historical, political, and military.
Therefore, it is important to break down the arguments and explain why the attempt to equate these wars is manipulation.
Ukraine did not threaten Russia — Iran has been threatening Israel for decades
Ukraine did not pose a military threat to Russia. After the collapse of the USSR, Kyiv voluntarily gave up the third-largest nuclear arsenal in the world, destroyed strategic missiles, heavy bombers, and a significant part of its military infrastructure. This process was enshrined in international agreements and monitored by the international community.
To justify the invasion, Russian propaganda for years tried to create an image of a ‘threat’ from Ukraine. Various versions were used — from the story of ‘two Ukrainian BMPs’ allegedly invading Russian territory to myths about NATO biolabs and ‘combat mosquitoes.’ None of these accusations were ever confirmed.
The situation with Iran is fundamentally different. The Iranian regime has publicly declared the need to destroy Israel for decades, while simultaneously developing missile programs and nuclear technologies. These threats are not abstract statements — they are accompanied by the creation of infrastructure intended for strikes on neighboring states.
Difference in the nature of military actions
Ukraine did not wage an undeclared war against Russia. Before the full-scale invasion, there were no missile strikes on Russian cities, sabotage operations on Russian territory, or networks of proxy groups operating against Moscow.
Iran’s strategy, on the contrary, has been built on waging war by proxy for many years. Tehran supports armed structures in various countries in the region, including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shia formations in Iraq. These organizations regularly attack Israel and US allies in the Middle East.
The most tragic episode was the October 7 terrorist attack, which became the largest attack on Israel’s civilian population in decades. This was followed by direct attacks from Iran — including massive missile strikes on Israel in the spring and fall of 2024.
Territorial goals of Russia and the absence of such goals in the conflict with Iran
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has a clearly defined territorial goal. Moscow openly declares its intention to eliminate Ukrainian statehood and annex Ukrainian territories. Crimea, Donbas, and several other regions have already been declared part of its territory by Russia, even including them in the ‘Constitution.’
From the point of view of international law, such actions are considered illegal annexation. The international community almost unanimously recognizes these territories as part of Ukraine.
The conflict around Iran has a different nature. Neither Israel nor the United States claims Iranian territory or declares plans for its occupation. It is about neutralizing threats related to the missile and nuclear program of the ayatollah regime.
These differences in the goals and nature of the conflicts are regularly analyzed by NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency, noting that Moscow’s propaganda attempts to present the events as ‘the same war’ do not withstand even basic fact-checking.
International reaction and political systems
The difference between these conflicts is especially noticeable at the level of international reaction. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was condemned by the UN General Assembly with 141 states — this is one of the broadest international consensuses in recent decades.
Sanctions against Iran’s nuclear program were also adopted by the UN Security Council, initially almost unanimously. Even Middle Eastern countries, traditionally cautious in relations with Israel, in some cases helped repel Iranian missile attacks.
Finally, it is important to consider the political nature of the states. Ukraine is a democratic country where elections are held and political competition exists. Iran represents a theocratic system of power, where key decisions are made by religious leadership and security structures.
Human rights organizations regularly record the brutal suppression of protests in Iran — from mass arrests to torture and executions of demonstrators.
Why the propaganda comparison does not withstand fact-checking
Russian propaganda tries to reduce the complex international situation to a simple formula: ‘the strong attacked the weak.’ But in reality, the nature of these conflicts is fundamentally different.
In the case of Ukraine, it is about an invasion of the territory of a sovereign state with the aim of its occupation. In the case of Iran, it is about confronting a regime that has been threatening the destruction of Israel for decades and developing military infrastructure to realize these threats.
That is why attempts to equate these wars are not analysis but an element of information warfare.