Zelensky: Evidence of Russia’s transfer of Shahed technology to Iran found in drone wreckage

Ukraine has become a testing ground for Iranian drones that now pose a threat to the Middle East. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in an interview with the Jerusalem Post and i24NEWS on March 16, said there is evidence that Russia is already transferring technology to Tehran in response to the growing operations.

The Ukrainian president recalled that military cooperation between Russia and Iran is gaining momentum, and called Ukraine a “testing ground” for improving the Shahed suicide drones. According to him, it was Ukrainian cities that became a testing ground for developing new technologies that now threaten the Gulf countries and Israel.

Zelenskyy noted that Shahed technologies have changed over time, and new versions have appeared after massive attacks on civilian facilities – power plants, water supply systems and residential areas. “On our people, on our land, they gained experience that led to bloodshed,” he stressed.

The president also claims that Iran initially misled Ukraine about the volume of supplies, noting that Tehran assured of the transfer of only 1,200-1,300 drones. In fact, helping Moscow, Iran provided licenses for production and facilitated the construction of factories. As a result, Russia began to launch a significant number of drones every day.

Zelensky emphasized that technology is now being exchanged in the opposite direction. Among the evidence of this are the wreckage of drones in one of the Middle Eastern countries, which contained Russian parts.

The president warned that the situation in the Middle East could worsen in the coming months. Russia is reducing missile production and is betting on the mass transfer of drones in large volumes, the price of which is the destabilization of energy systems and basic living conditions in the region.

Zelensky calmly responded to Iran’s threats to Ukraine in light of support from the Gulf countries, noting that such statements are not new and that Ukraine is used to such threats. He emphasized that assistance to Ukraine concerns exclusively air defense.

In addition, the President expressed readiness for dialogue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that the parties can engage in cooperation, taking into account mutual needs. Three groups of Ukrainian military experts are currently working in the region, providing advice on air defense systems.