The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, drawing in Russia and Ukraine. The Iranian-made “Shahed” drones have become a major factor in the war, with Ukraine fearing more losses as Washington’s support for Kyiv declines.
The Shahed drones, designed by Iran, are assembled in the Russian city of Yelabuga and modified to make them faster and deadlier during air raids. Ukraine has been hit hard by these drones, with millions fearing their namesakes, a Persian word meaning “martyr” or “witness”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ally, Iranian leader Hassan Rouhani, has described the US and Israeli strikes on Iran as “hypocrisy”. However, analysts say that Russia and Iran are actually competing for economic interests in China.
The Kremlin has invested heavily in its military-industrial complex, which bypasses Western sanctions. Washington’s arms supplies to Israel have weakened Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian air raids. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that without US support, Ukraine will suffer more losses.
Analysts predict that a further diversion of military aid to Israel could spell disaster for Kyiv. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is expected to worsen if Tehran rejects Trump’s peace deal ultimatum.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/23/as-israel-iran-war-escalates-ukraine-fears-more-losses-to-russia