Iran is now likely the top military backer of Russia, the UK said, as the Kremlin looks to expand its missile strikes against Ukraine’s national infrastructure.
The Biden administration is accusing Russia of moving to provide advanced military assistance to Iran, including air defense systems, helicopters and fighter jets, part of deepening cooperation between the two nations as Tehran provides drones to support Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby on Friday cited US intelligence assessments for the allegations, saying Russia was offering Iran “an unprecedented level of military and technical support that is transforming their relationship into a full-fledged defense partnership.”
Overnight, Russian forces struck energy infrastructure with Iranian-made drones in the Odesa region that’s left thousands of people without power, according to a Ukraine’s southern operational command.
In the last 24 hours Russia has carried out five missile strikes, about 20 airstrikes and more than 60 rocket launcher attacks, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said.
