Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Iran's Role Exposed

Ukraine claims Russia has deployed over 8,000 Iran-developed Shahed drones since its full-scale invasion began. Accusations have mounted over Iran's military support for Russia, particularly with ballistic missiles. The potential diplomatic fallout could see Ukraine severing ties with Tehran.

Ukraine's foreign ministry announced on Friday that Russia had launched 8,060 Iran-developed Shahed drones at Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began 2-1/2 years ago.

According to the ministry's statement on X, "The partnership between Russia and Iran has resulted in lost homes and lost lives." Kyiv initially accused Iran of supplying Shahed kamikaze drones to Russia in autumn 2022. Since then, Moscow's forces have used them extensively for long-range attacks.

Reports by The Wall Street Journal in May indicated that Moscow was also producing Shahed-type drones using Iranian technology at a plant in Tartarstan Republic. Iranian military support has been most salient in drone supplies, which are easier to shoot down due to their slower speeds compared to ballistic missiles.

On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken alleged that Russia received ballistic missiles from Iran, which Iran has denied. The Kremlin called the missile reports baseless. Friday also marked the two-year anniversary of Kyiv's forces downing the first Iranian drone. Tehran and Moscow's collaboration has strengthened since the February 2022 invasion, with the Kremlin highlighting growing dialogue. Ukraine's Western allies warned that missile supplies would escalate the conflict.

Ukraine has stated that it might cut diplomatic ties with Tehran should these missiles be used by Russia against Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies.)