Russian Drones Come from Iran

Title: Methodology and deployment of Iranian drones by the Russian military in the war on Ukraine

Summary: After underestimating the capabilities and unilateral support given to the Ukrainian government, Russia, is now facing a supply shortage and has turned to their short list of allies for supply assistance in their war on Ukraine. Drone attacks on Ukraine have recently increased as Russia has renewed its attacks throughout western regions of Ukraine. The introduction of these new drones needs to be investigated to ensure that counter measures are in place to assist the Ukrainian army with defense weapons and protect other U.S. interests abroad.

Body of Report: Source A provides a basic explanation of how Russia has procured drones from Iran for attack against enemy targets. It describes the deal between the two states and how it is likely to make Russia an even bigger threat to Western interests. The source notes that the use of foreign-made drones raises concerns about Russia's compliance with international law. However, Russia is not a signatory to the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, which regulates the transfer of weapons between countries. Source B provides additional information on drone attacks in Ukraine originating from Russian soil. The drones have been analyzed by specialists, according to the report and are said to hail from Iranian labs. According to the source, it is possible that Russia obtained the drones through illicit means. Source C provides a scholarly perspective on the matter, with academics describing how the detection and determination of unmanned aerial vehicles in Ukraine have been found to be of Iranian origins although they are sent by Russia into combat zones. Source D explains that Russia is using Kamikaze drones for aerial assaults on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine. In Source E, the reporter argues that Houthi drone attacks in the Middle East are the origin of Russian drone attacks in Ukraine. There is a clear link between painting Houthis as rebels and aggressors and Russia as aggressor. The author highlights that this is the first time that Russia has used foreign-made drones in combat and that the strikes suggest that Russia is seeking to increase its military capabilities beyond its own borders. The drones appear to have been operated by Russian forces.

Collectors Comment: Information was obtained utilizing a VPN service.

Purpose of Collection: Use gathered knowledge to assist Ukraine in addressing Russian drone attacks on Ukraine.

Source Descriptions:

Source A - Russia, Iran reach deal to make drones on Russian soil for Ukraine war: report (19 November 2022). Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-iran-reach-deal-make-drones-russian-soil-ukraine-war-report Source is from a news report, citing official intelligence and military sources. The reported information is most likely accurate.

Source B - Russia’s Iranian Drones Pose Growing Threat to Ukraine.

(18 October 2022). Written by Dion Nissenbaum & Stephen Kalin. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/russias-iranian-drones-pose-growing-threat-to-ukraine-11666113607 Source originates from reputable news source WSJ. Reported information is likely accurate.