USA: Russia intends to buy more drones from Iran

2023-05-16 03:07:17, Kosova & Bota CNA

The White House said on Monday that Russia is looking to buy advanced drones from Iran to use in its war against Ukraine, after using up most of the 400 drones it previously bought from Tehran.

President Biden's administration last year released satellite images and intelligence findings that it said showed Iran had sold hundreds of drones to Russia. And for months, officials have said the United States believed Iran was considering selling hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia, but Washington had no evidence a deal had been reached.

“Iran also continues to supply Russia with military drones. Since August, Iran has provided Russia with more than 400 drones, mostly of the Shahed type," said White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby.

"Russia has spent most of these drones attacking Ukraine's critical infrastructure. By providing Russia with these drones, Iran has directly aided Russia's aggression in Ukraine," Kirby told reporters.

The Shahed drones that Russia has already purchased are packed with explosives and programmed to fly high until they reach their target.

Mr Kirby said the Russians now intend to buy even more advanced and "much more lethal" drones.

The latest announcement is part of President Biden's administration's continued release of intelligence agency findings detailing what US officials say is a deepening defense partnership between Russia and Iran.

US officials say Iran has also provided Russia with artillery weapons and tank ammunition for its war against Ukraine.

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office announced on Monday that it was sending Ukraine hundreds more air defense missiles, as well as "long-range drones" that can reach targets at a distance of more than 200 kilometers. The announcement came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Britain and unsuccessfully called on Prime Minister Sunak for London to supply Ukraine with fighter jets as Kiev prepares for a spring offensive to retake territories occupied by Russia./ VOA