Fact Check: "Iran provided Russia with thousands of drones for attacks on Ukraine."
What We Know
Iran has been actively involved in supporting Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, particularly through military assistance. Reports indicate that Iran has supplied Russia with loitering munitions, specifically the Shahed 131 and Shahed 136 drones, which have been used in attacks against Ukrainian cities (source-2). The U.S. and several European nations have accused Iran of violating United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231 by providing these drones to Russia (source-1).
By October 2022, reports confirmed that Iranian military officials were present in Crimea to assist Russian forces in operating these drones (source-2). The U.S. State Department has publicly accused Iran of supplying drones to Russia, which has been corroborated by intelligence assessments from multiple countries, including France and the United Kingdom (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Iran provided Russia with thousands of drones for attacks on Ukraine is supported by a substantial body of evidence. Multiple credible sources, including government reports and media investigations, have documented the transfer of Iranian drones to Russia. The U.S. government has specifically stated that Russia has received hundreds of Iranian drones, which have been utilized in various attacks against Ukraine (source-1).
Moreover, the presence of Iranian military personnel in Crimea to assist in drone operations further substantiates the claim of Iranian involvement in the conflict (source-2). The reliability of these sources is high, as they include official statements from government agencies and reputable news organizations that have conducted thorough investigations into the matter.
However, it is important to note that Iran has denied sending arms for use in the Ukraine war, arguing that the interpretation of the UN resolution regarding drone sales is erroneous (source-2). This denial, while significant, does not negate the overwhelming evidence presented by multiple independent sources regarding the supply of drones.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Iran provided Russia with thousands of drones for attacks on Ukraine is substantiated by credible evidence from multiple sources, including government reports and media investigations. The involvement of Iranian drones in attacks on Ukraine, along with the presence of Iranian military personnel in Crimea, confirms Iran's military support for Russia during the conflict.
