Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Iranian operators were instrumental in training Russian forces to utilize Shahed drones during the ongoing conflict. These operators were responsible for launching the initial drone strikes against Ukraine.
When questioned about the potential for Ukraine to become an adversary of Iran due to its support for Middle Eastern nations against Iranian attacks, Zelenskyy emphasized that Iran has long been an ally of Russia, a fact that is not new. He noted that Tehran has supplied Russia with approximately 150,000 artillery shells and missiles.
Zelenskyy stated, “We know how the first Shaheds were launched. There were no Russian operators; they were from another country, the country from which the Shaheds came, because they needed to train the Russians. They trained them in real combat situations.”
The president reiterated that Iran is aligned with Russia both in official documents and through tangible actions.
In response to Romania’s decision to allow American forces to use its military bases as a hub, Zelenskyy remarked that any additional U.S. military presence would strengthen Ukraine’s position.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy disclosed that Iranian operators trained Russian forces in drone warfare, specifically with Shahed drones. He highlighted Iran's longstanding alliance with Russia and the military support provided to them, while also addressing the implications of U.S. military presence in Romania.