Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, was targeted by Iranian Shahed drones in an overnight attack, prompting a stern warning from a senior Ukrainian government official. Mykhailo Podolyak, the adviser to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, expressed concern over Iran’s support for Russia in the ongoing conflict and emphasized that there would be consequences for such actions.
In a Twitter statement, Podolyak highlighted Iran’s growing alliance with Moscow, accusing Tehran of intentionally supplying weapons to aid attacks on civilian cities. He specifically referenced the recent attack on Kyiv during the City Day celebrations, where 50 Shahed drones were reportedly deployed. Podolyak asserted that Iran’s actions were deliberate and that they would face the repercussions.
The Ukrainian official further cautioned Iran about the consequences of their actions, invoking the concept of the boomerang effect. He emphasized that geographical distance or a misunderstanding of Ukraine’s priorities would not prevent the repercussions. Podolyak warned that the Shahed drones, once released, would eventually find their way back to their manufacturer.
To address the situation, Podolyak revealed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would propose imposing sanctions on Iran for a period of 50 years. The proposed sanctions would encompass various aspects, including trade, financial and technological restrictions on Iranians. Additionally, the measures would involve prohibiting Iranian shipments and flights through Ukrainian territory and preventing Iranian citizens from withdrawing funds from Ukraine.
The intensified cooperation between Moscow and Tehran has been evident during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with both countries pursuing their respective interests. Russia seeks Iranian drones and ballistic missiles, while Iran desires Russian investments and increased trade. Recent reports indicate that Russia has become the largest foreign investor in Iran over the past year.
The Shahed drones, specifically the Shahed-129 and Shahed-191 models, possess the capability to carry precision guided munitions and are also utilized for surveillance purposes. Investigative reports obtained exclusively by CNN suggest that Iran may be modifying these drones to maximize the impact of their explosive warheads on infrastructure targets within Ukraine.
As tensions escalate between Ukraine and Iran, the international community will be closely monitoring the situation and assessing the potential implications of these developments.
