The Takeaway: Iranian drones in Ukraine send message to West
Closer Iran-Russia ties are another thing to worry about; Israel won't send missile defenses to Ukraine; Lebanon-Israel agreement still needs details filled in; and why the region may need nuclear energy to meet climate goals.
Our take: Iran's deeper involvement in Russia’s faltering war on Ukraine marks a new chapter in relations between the two international pariahs.
Ukraine is moving to formally sever ties with Iran after a barrage of Iranian-produced Shahed-136 drones struck civilian targets in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on Monday, killing four people.
Yurii Ihnat, a spokesman for Ukraine’s air force, said the country's air defense systems successfully shot down 37 out of 43 drones launched by Russia, whose increased use of cheap Iranian-manufactured drones comes as its own arsenal of advanced weaponry has dwindled. Along with more drones, The Washington Post reported Sunday that Iran is preparing to ship ballistic missiles to Russia.
“Using inexpensive drones like the Shahed at $20,000 apiece is an attempt to deal with a shortage of Russian advanced missiles and attrite Ukrainian air defense systems,” said Mick Mulroy, a former Pentagon official and retired CIA officer.
