International Allies Demand Urgent UN Investigation into Russia’s Use of Iranian Drones in Ukraine

U.S., Britain, and France Call for Urgent U.N. Investigation into Russia’s Use of Iranian Drones in Ukraine

The United States, Britain, and France have demanded that the United Nations (U.N.) urgently investigate Russia’s reported use of hundreds of Iranian-provided drones in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The use of these drones would violate U.N. sanctions, but it remains uncertain whether the U.N. will proceed with the investigation due to strong opposition from Russia.

Despite widespread evidence that the Iranian drones have been used to attack Ukrainian cities, Russia denies any involvement in their use. U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield highlighted that the U.S. has released additional information this month, documenting Iran’s provision of hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, along with equipment that can be used in their production. Ukraine and the U.K. have also submitted evidence to the U.N. of Iranian drones recovered by the Ukrainian military.

Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is a matter of life or death for the Ukrainian people.” The statement calling for an investigation was also signed by Albania and Ukraine.

The five countries, including the U.S., Britain, France, Albania, and Ukraine, accused Russia of violating the Security Council resolution that endorsed the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six major powers. They alleged that Russia not only procured hundreds of Mohajer and Shahed drones but also collaborated with Iran to produce drones within Russia. The 2015 resolution prohibits the transfer of such weapons from Iran without advance Security Council approval, which was not given in this case.

The U.S. and its allies stated, “Russia has been using these UAVs in recent weeks to strike Kyiv, destroy Ukrainian infrastructure, and kill and terrorize Ukrainian civilians.” They called on the United Nations to respond to the growing international community’s calls for an investigation into these violations.

U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq confirmed that the U.N. Secretariat, led by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, is currently analyzing the information received regarding the alleged transfer of Iranian drones in a manner inconsistent with the 2015 resolution. Haq mentioned that a report from Guterres is expected soon and will be discussed by experts on the committee monitoring the resolution’s implementation. The report will also be presented to the 15-member Security Council in July, where Russia holds veto power as one of the five permanent members.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield stated that the resolution grants the secretary-general the mandate to open an investigation. However, Haq did not provide any indication of whether Guterres would proceed with the investigation.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia responded to the allegations, claiming that Ukraine has not provided Russia or Iran with any credible evidence regarding the use of Iranian drones. Nebenzia expressed hope that the secretary-general would not be misled by their former Western partners.

As tensions continue to rise in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the international community awaits the U.N.’s decision on whether to investigate Russia’s reported use of Iranian drones in Ukraine.

What evidence has the international community gathered to support their claims of Iran’s involvement in carrying out drone attacks in Ukrainian cities, and how does this evidence implicate Russia

A has not only provided Iran with the technology and equipment to produce drones, but has also actively participated in their deployment in Ukraine.

Russia has consistently denied these allegations and has not yet responded to the call for a U.N. investigation. However, it is expected that Russia will strongly oppose any such investigation, as it has previously used its veto power in the Security Council to block resolutions that were critical of its actions.

The use of Iranian drones in Ukraine has been a cause for concern for several months now. These drones have reportedly been used to carry out attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing significant damage and loss of life. The international community, particularly the United States, Britain, and France, has been closely monitoring the situation and has gathered substantial evidence to support their claims.

The call for a U.N. investigation comes as a result of a growing consensus among these countries that Russia’s involvement in the use of Iranian drones is not only a violation of U.N. sanctions, but also a threat to regional stability. By demanding an urgent investigation, they hope to shed light on Russia’s actions and hold it accountable for its role in the conflict.

It remains to be seen how the U.N. will respond to this call for an investigation. The Security Council will need to vote on whether to proceed with the investigation, and it is uncertain whether there will be enough support to override a potential Russian veto. Nevertheless, the United States, Britain, and France, along with their allies, are determined to bring attention to the issue and ensure that Russia is held accountable for its actions in Ukraine.