A senior Ukrainian official has urged Western partner countries to allow Ukraine to use weapons they have supplied to target military warehouses inside Russia. This call comes amid strong suspicions that Iran has provided ballistic missiles to support the Kremlin's war effort in Ukraine.
The United States has reportedly informed allies that Iran has sent short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for its operations in Ukraine. Western countries supporting Ukraine have been cautious about permitting Ukrainian military strikes on Russian soil, fearing further escalation in the conflict.
However, the head of the Ukrainian presidential office emphasized that 'protection is not escalation' and stressed the need for action against the suspected supply of ballistic missiles to Russia.
Since the beginning of the war in February 2022, Russia has launched devastating long-range missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, resulting in the deaths of over 10,000 civilians and severe damage to infrastructure, including electricity production.
Despite facing significant challenges, Ukraine has remained resilient and recently conducted a daring incursion into Russia's Kursk region while defending against Russian advances in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region.
Reports suggest that Russia has been receiving Iranian-made Shahed drones since 2022, raising concerns among Western governments about potential Iranian ballistic missile shipments to support the Russian military.
While the Kremlin has denied the reports of Iranian missile transfers, emphasizing the strategic partnership between Russia and Iran, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has expressed deep concern over the situation and called for Iran to cease providing weapons to Russia.
CIA Director William Burns has highlighted the growing defense relationship between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, warning of the threats posed to Ukraine and Western allies in the Middle East.
China, although not directly supplying arms to Russia, has become a crucial economic partner by purchasing Russian oil and gas and providing various electronics with both civilian and military applications.
Amid these developments, China's Defense Ministry announced joint naval and air drills with Russia, further underscoring the evolving dynamics in the region.
For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP's coverage of the conflict.
