Kremlin defies US and Israel: Sends lethal drones, medicine and food to Iran to bolster war-torn ally
Russia is close to completing a phased delivery of drones, medicine and food to Iran to support its war effort against the US and Israel, according to a report cited by international media.
Russia is training Iran in drone attack tactics PHOTO: Shutterstok
Senior officials from Iran and Russia began secretly discussing the delivery of the drones days after Israel and the US launched their first strike on Tehran last month, two officials told The Financial Times.
Moscow began the deliveries in early March, and they were expected to be completed by the end of the month, according to Western intelligence services.
Russia has remained a close ally of Tehran as the war continues, following years of Iranian support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated that Russia is providing information to Iran. He said on Wednesday that Moscow tried to blackmail the United States by offering to end the exchange of military intelligence with Iran if, in return, Washington would cut off Ukraine's access to intelligence data, according to the Independent.
On Monday, he claimed he had proof “irrefutable” that Russia continues to provide information to Iran, telling Reuters it has seen the data but giving no further details.
A drone delivery would be the first evidence of Moscow's lethal support for Iran since the start of the war.
Asked about the drone delivery, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the FT: “There is a lot of false information circulating at the moment. One thing is true – we continue the dialogue with the Iranian leadership.”
Iran has been a key supplier of Shahed drones, a vital part of Russia's artillery in the war against Ukraine. Moscow launched hundreds of Shahed drones a night during its offensive on Ukraine, prompting Kiev to become an expert in drone defense.
Zelenskiy said on Wednesday, March 25 that the Gulf states are showing strong interest in Ukraine's experience in defense against drones.
“We already see that not only
“This is modern warfare, and everyone must be prepared. Ukraine has this expertise, and in return for our support, we need help in areas where we face greater challenges. This includes protection against ballistic threats and financial resources for defense. Ukraine offers a mutually beneficial partnership: we can strengthen those who can strengthen us.”the Ukrainian leader added.
