Following a Radio Farda report quoting Russia-backed self-proclaimed Ukrainian President Denis Pushilin as announcing the deal, Iran’s government news site IRNA cited “an informed source” in Iran’s Foreign Ministry denying the deal. report while another Iranian state-run media claims the deal was signed during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which was held in the city from June 15-18.

According to the Young Journalists Club (YJC), an IRGC-linked hardline media outlet affiliated with the state-run IRIB TV channel, Pushilin said: “The Donetsk People’s Republic now has a new partner, and despite the obstacles, our international economic relations are expanding.

The deal will see Iran supply Donetsk with construction materials and horticultural products, including fruits and vegetables, while Donetsk, in turn, intends to export metals, cast iron, fertilizers , steel products, coal mining tools, as well as other types of mining equipment. to Iran.

Radio Farda said Pushilin mentioned Farnoush trading company – headquartered in Maku free zone in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province, bordering Turkey – as the company representing Iran in the trade. ‘OK.

Russia recognized the independence of two breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in February, virtually paving the way for the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the deployment of Russian troops there.