Iran’s Response to Israeli Attacks Unlikely to Increase Drone Strikes on Ukraine
Israeli strikes on Iran are unlikely to significantly affect the number of attacks by Iranian-made “Shahed” drones on Ukraine, according to Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Agency. He stated that Russia has been producing “Shahed” drones independently and is less reliant on Iranian weapon supplies, reports 24brussels.
Budanov noted that Iran primarily supplies Russia with components, such as powders, but he indicated that any slowdown in Iranian support won’t be seriously noticeable. “Yes, the process has slightly slowed down, but you won’t really see these delays and slowdowns,” he added.
When questioned about Russia’s potential support for Iran in its conflict with Israel or the US, Budanov acknowledged that while it could technically do so, it is unlikely to act on it.
Budanov also revealed that Russia has transferred equipment and technology to North Korea for the production of “Shahed” drones. “They are working quickly, believe me, unfortunately… Russia is facilitating technology transfers to North Korea. They are not transferring the drones themselves, but the technologies and equipment to establish production there,” he emphasized.
Additionally, Andriy Kovalенко, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation in Ukraine’s National Security Council, noted the emergence of drone production in North Korea with Russia’s help. “Now this is confirmed by the Defense Intelligence Agency – the production of ‘Shaheds’/‘Geran’ in North Korea has already been established with Russia’s assistance. I should also add that Russian instructors are operating in Pyongyang and around the Kalma airfield in Wonsan, training North Korean drone pilots, including on strike FPVs and other attack drones,” Kovalенко stated.
Earlier reports indicated that on June 29, Russian forces targeted Ukraine using Kinzhal missiles, Kalibrs, and drones. A total of 477 drones and 60 missiles were launched at Ukraine, with Ukrainian military forces successfully intercepting 475 aerial targets. Tragically, during this massive assault, pilot Maksym Ustymenko lost his life.
In the Lviv region, critical infrastructure was damaged, while in Ivano-Frankivsk, a woman was injured. The main and suburban railway stations in Poltava also sustained damage as a result of the Russian strikes.
