In a significant revelation, Ukraine has disclosed that the drones used by Russia in its attacks on Ukrainian cities, of Iranian origin, are assembled using components sourced from Western countries. This classified information was shared with Western allies by Kiev and reported by The Guardian today. The document also includes a plea from Ukraine for long-range missile strikes on drone production facilities located in Russia, Iran, and Syria.

The seven-page document, shared by the Ukrainian government in August, was disseminated to the G7 countries, which include the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy. It detailed that Russia had conducted over 600 airstrikes on Ukrainian cities using drones equipped with Western technology over the previous three months. Specifically, the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136 drone models, boasting a range of up to 2,000 kilometers, were found to contain 52 and 57 Western-made components, respectively.

The report explicitly states, “Among the manufacturers are companies based in countries in the sanctions coalition: the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Japan, and Poland,” as reported by The Guardian. Importantly, it does not implicate these Western companies in any wrongdoing. Instead, it underscores that Iranian drone production primarily relies on readily available commercial components, the supply of which is poorly controlled or not controlled at all. These components mainly originate from countries such as Turkey, India, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Costa Rica.

According to the Ukrainian document, drone production has been shifting towards Russia, particularly in the vicinity of the city of Yalabuga in Tatarstan, even though Tehran continues to provide essential components. The Iranian government is purportedly attempting to distance itself from supplying arms to Russia, citing difficulties in meeting Russian demand and the escalating intensity of drone usage in Ukraine.

Furthermore, Ukraine has proposed that Western nations contemplate launching missile strikes on drone production facilities in Iran, Syria, and potentially a facility in Russia, among other locations. The report acknowledges that such actions may face resistance from Western allies but suggests that “missile attacks could be carried out by the Ukrainian armed forces if partners provide the necessary resources.”

This intelligence report was jointly prepared by the Ukrainian intelligence services and the Ukrainian Research Centre for Military Equipment. The Guardian reports that it provides the most up-to-date analysis of Russia’s drone strategy and production plans since September 13, 2022, when the use of Iranian-made drones was first reported in the Kharkiv region’s city of Kupyansk.

The report also reveals that Russia receives these drones via the Caspian Sea, with drones transported from Tehran to the Iranian port of Amirabad and then onward to the Russian port city of Makhachkala. This disclosure sheds light on the intricate supply chain behind Russia’s drone capabilities, raising significant concerns in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Article by Prague Forum