First Iranian Journalist, Kourosh Sehati, Joins Ukraine’s International Legion

Iranian opposition journalist Kourosh Sehati has officially joined the International Legion of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, becoming the first known Iranian national to do so, according to the Iranian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Sehati announced his enlistment on March 18 via his personal account on X, stating that the fight for freedom and democracy “knows no borders.” He cited his decision as a stand “against the criminal Putin and his supporters.”

The news outlet reports that Sehati is originally from Iran and fled to Turkey in 2004 before relocating to the United States, where he obtained US citizenship. His journalism career includes work with the Iranian service of Voice of America and, more recently, with the London-based opposition broadcaster Iran International.

In an interview with RFE/RL, Sehati explained his personal connection to Ukraine through his Ukrainian wife. He noted that his wife and children currently reside in London. Sehati also referenced historical grievances, stating that Russia has inflicted “pain” on Iran over the past two centuries.

He emphasized that his participation aims to counter perceptions that all Iranians support the Islamic Republic, which is currently aligned with Moscow.

“I am trying to send a message of solidarity between Iranians and Ukrainians,” Sehati said, “so that Ukrainians do not associate Iranians with the actions of the Islamic Republic.”

In an interview published on March 28, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone stated that the goal in Ukraine is to end hostilities across the entire country and secure a just peace, however, a flawed peace can be worse than no peace at all.