Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian forces shoot down Iran-made drone used by Russia

The Ukrainian defense ministry said Tuesday that its forces shot down an Iran-made drone that Russia used in the northeastern region. This marks the first time Kyiv claimed to have destroyed one of such devices.

Ukraine’s defense ministry said Tuesday that Ukrainian troops shot down an Iran-made Shahed-136 drone that was used by Russian forces in the northeastern area of Kharkiv. The ministry shared four photos of what looked like parts of the drone that was destroyed, with “Geran-Z” written on one side in Russian. The wingtip of the drone also appeared to match the Shahed-136 drone.

“Iranian attack UAV Shahed-136, eliminated by the UAarmy near Kupiansk, Kharkiv region,” tweeted the ministry, which went on to call Iran and Russia “a perfect union of two despots.”

Ukraine and the United States have previously accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones. While Tehran has denied the accusations, military experts have said Iranian drones are useful to Russia for reconnaissance and as loitering munitions that can take their time in locating and engaging with potential targets.

Kyiv warned Tuesday that Russia is expected to launch more attacks on Ukraine’s energy system to ramp up its pressure on Ukraine in the coming winter season. Ukraine has also renewed its appeal to the West for more military assistance, especially air defense technology to avert the potential scenario.

This follows the latest onset of attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s power and heating infrastructure in the past two days which led to blackouts in several regions in eastern Ukraine.

“We expect the quantity of such attacks to grow, and are ready for various scenarios,” Ukrainian presidential adviser Mikhailo Podolyak told Reuters.

Podolyak also said Ukrainians should brace for power and heating problems in the coming winter months as Ukraine sees temperatures as low as negative 15 degrees Celsius around that time.

A spokesperson for Ukraine’s energy ministry also told Reuters that as of now, Ukraine’s grid is within the range of Russian missiles.

“Until the sky over Ukraine is closed, Russia can unfortunately launch its missiles where it pleases,” said the spokesperson, adding that they are tasked to immediately repair any damages.