Zelenskyy stated that Russia had helped Iran to improve its Shahed drones
In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had become a testing ground for Shahed drones, which were being used against civilian infrastructure.
According to him, at the start of the war, Ukraine was receiving hundreds of such drones every day.
“We had a terrible experience with these drones. There were 350 or 500 Iranian drones every day, day and night,” said Zelenskyy.
He noted that over time, these drones had changed significantly and been improved. In his view, Russia helped Iran to improve these systems after receiving the initial shipments from it.
Zelenskyy also stated that Iran had not only supplied drones to Russia but had also assisted in setting up production facilities, notably through the transfer of licences and the construction of factories.
According to him, the Iranian side was involved in training Russian military personnel during the initial phase of drone deployment.
The President of Ukraine noted that Russia is currently increasing drone production whilst reducing missile output.
He also expressed his conviction that Russia is transferring technology or components to Iran to improve the drones.
“I am certain,” said Zelenskyy, responding to a question about the possible transfer of technology.
According to him, parts of Russian origin were found in one of the drones destroyed in the Middle East.
The President noted that these drones were being upgraded during massive attacks, mostly on civilian targets.
“They were used predominantly not on the battlefield,” said Zelenskyy.
He also stated that the aim of such attacks is to create chaos and damage civilian infrastructure, particularly energy, water supply and other life-support systems.
Zelenskyy emphasised that these technologies could affect other regions, notably the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
