Iran's support for Russia's war in Ukraine has reached unprecedented levels, with Tehran supplying Vladimir Putin's army with Iranian-made Shahed and Mohajer-6 drones. These drones have been a critical asset for Russia since the war began, and despite extensive sanctions, they are equipped with numerous components sourced from Western countries.
A recent case involved an unidentified Russian man posting a video online, claiming a downed drone belonged to Ukraine. In reality, it was an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drone armed with glide bombs from Iran, as revealed by Julian Röpke of Bild newspaper. This incident highlights the deepening 'Iranian arms support for Russia,' according to Röpke.
Tehran's contributions do not stop with drones. According to Al Jazeera, Iran also supplies Moscow with Shahed 'kamikaze' drones, artillery shells, and possibly ballistic missiles. These Shahed drones have served as surrogate cruise missiles, allowing Russia to execute massive attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and civilian facilities, almost plunging Ukraine 'into darkness' in late 2022.
Kiev has struggled against these drones, and former Deputy Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff Lt. Gen. Ihor Romanenko admits they are still a significant threat despite effective countermeasures. Some of these incidents suggest that Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps members trained Russian troops on how to operate these drones, although Iran's Foreign Ministry denies such allegations.
In addition to the drones, Russia has gradually advanced in its territorial conquest in Ukraine. Since the start of the year, the Russian military has reportedly taken control of 47 localities, expanding their influence in regions like Donbass and Kharkiv. This offensive comes despite the Ukrainian military facing shortages of ammunition and men, compounded by delays in Western military aid.
On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Joe Biden for crucial talks. Biden announced $225 million in new aid for Ukraine, including munitions for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), mortar systems, and artillery shells. Biden reassured Zelensky, stating, 'The United States will always be with you.'
These strategic partnerships and military support are pivotal as Ukraine continues to resist Russian advances. Zelensky expressed his gratitude for the 'tremendous support' from the U.S., emphasizing that the conflict in Ukraine has broader implications for Europe's future and security.
- Documents revealed by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz indicate that Russia purchased at least 6,000 Shahed 136 drones from Iran since the onset of the Ukraine war. In some instances, these deals were paid for with gold bars.
- Despite sanctions, reports from the Wall Street Journal confirm that many components in the Mohajer-6 drones are sourced from Western companies like Japan's Tonegawa-Seiko Co. and Germany's Infineon, which has denied any commercial dealings with Iran.
- President Vladimir Putin celebrated Russia's military gains by announcing that 47 localities had been conquered and 880 km² of territory liberated since the beginning of the year, during the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg.
- Since January 2024, over 160,000 people have enlisted in the Russian army, aided by social media campaigns and street posters promising favorable conditions for new recruits.
- Earlier, Zelensky addressed the deputies of the National Assembly, asserting that 'Europe is no longer a continent of peace,' and that the situation in Ukraine could potentially affect other countries in the future.
