The Pentagon confirmed Tuesday that Russia is currently using Iranian-made drones to conduct strikes and reconnaissance against Ukraine.
“We do assess that the Russians are now using Iranian drones that we discussed before — those drones were delivered to Russia — and we do assess that they are now using them in Ukraine,” said Pentagon press secretary Brig. General Ryder told reporters.
Ryder did not mention the effectiveness of the weapons, saying only that the Russians were using them in a way “that they said they might be using.”
He also said Washington considered the study that Ukrainians photographed several drones “credible.”
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials said a series of drone strikes took place in the vital southern metropolis of Odessa today.
The White House warned in July that Iranian authorities were preparing to promote a large number of drones to Russia for use on the Ukrainian battlefield. The Biden administration then confirmed in late August that Iran had sent its first drone cargo to Russia.
Iranian drones – designed to help deal with weapons shortages Moscow is experiencing as its war with Kyiv enters its seventh month – has been assessed as a “considerable failure” in response to U.S. intelligence.
The United States believes Iran transferred the Mohajer-6 and Shahed series drones to Russia in early August on a Russian flight between the two countries.