Russia pounds Ukrainian capital with Iranian drones in latest bombardment

For the second night in a row, Russia pounded the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and other regions with multiple waves of Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drone attacks.

According to the Kyiv Independent, Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least four people and injured at least 37 over the past day, including a child.

Ukrainian air defenses shot down 59 of the 116 Iranian Shahed drones launched by Russia overnight, the Ukrainian Air Force said.

Russia’s drone attacks using Iranian-made UAVs have led to global sanctions on Tehran, for having targeted civilian areas.

"Another night, another worry," Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv's military administration, said on Telegram. "The enemy does not reduce the intensity of air attacks on Ukraine and Kyiv.”

Russia also attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M or North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile, one Kh-35 guided aerial missile, and one Kh-31P guided aerial missile, according to the Kyiv Independent.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote on Telegram that shrapnel from around 10 downed drones landed in three main districts of the capital. Multiple buildings and power cables suffered damage in addition to casualties.

According to the Atlantic Council’s February analysis, Russia’s capacity as a leading weapons exporter has been damaged by the more than two years of war on Ukraine, meaning Iran has “become more dominant and attractive in the eyes of countries that previously depended on Russia’s supply of military equipment”.

However, with collaboration between Iran and Russia deepening, from military exercises to building a drone factory, the Atlantic Council report by Danny Citrinowicz said that “the current situation can create a joint venture between Iran and Russia that may increase their conventional mutual arms sales due to their high production capabilities”.

Citrinowicz said that Iran has sold more than two thousand drones to Russia alone until 2024, making millions of dollars from the sales, in spite of both nations being heavily sanctioned. Current estimates of drone deliveries range from 4-8 thousand units.

“Iran has no political or legal restrictions that prevent it from selling these weapons around the world; it is apparently not afraid that these products will fall into the hands of dangerous foreign parties,” he warned.

However, it is not only drones which Iran is exporting. Earlier this month, the EU sanctioned seven individuals and seven entities following Iran’s missile and drone transfers to Russia.

“This decision follows the indication by the European Council in March 2024 that, were Iran to transfer ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia for use against Ukraine, the EU would be prepared to respond swiftly, including with new and significant restrictive measures,” a statement said.

“Today’s designation includes individuals and entities responsible for the development and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles and related technology to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine, and to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region,” the statement added.