Russia has recently received shipments of short-range ballistic missiles from Iran, which are expected to be used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These missiles will allow Russia to strike deeper into Ukrainian territory, while dedicating its own arsenal for closer range targets. The delivery of Iranian missiles to Russia has been described as a dramatic escalation by Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The deployment of these missiles poses a significant threat to Ukraine, as its air defenses are already under strain. The scarcity of resources like the Patriot system, which is the only defense against ballistic missiles, will be further stretched. Recent missile strikes in cities like Poltava have resulted in high casualties, with many facing severe injuries.
