Iran, Ukraine experts met to discuss alleged drones sent to Russia

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Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko revealed, in an interview for CNN, that a meeting between Iranian and Ukrainian military experts was held to discuss Kiev's allegations regarding Russia's alleged use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine.

“Such an expert meeting did take place. I cannot disclose the details, but I can assure you that the Ukrainian side continues to take the most drastic measures to prevent the use of Iranian weapons by Russia for the war against Ukraine,” he said. 

“Ukraine has informed Iran that the consequences of complicity in the Russian aggression will be incommensurable with the potential benefits of cooperation with Russia,” Nikolenko added. 

“Following the alleged claims of using Iranian drones in the Ukraine conflict, Iran has requested a joint expert meeting with Ukraine authorities to consider such allegations. Significant steps have been taken so far in the collaborative dialogue between Iranian and Ukrainian defense experts, and it will continue to clear up any misunderstanding on this matter," the spokesperson said.

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The Washington Post reported last week that Moscow and Tehran reached a deal to launch a drone production facility in Russia that is expected to produce its first batch of drones in the next few months.

Ukraine and its western allies have long been accusing Iran of supplying drones to Russia to be used in the war, without supporting the claims with any evidence.

Iran has previously and repeatedly stated that it will not side in the war, denying all claims that it has provided Moscow with weapons to be used in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Kiev canceled a scheduled meeting with Iran at the last moment to discuss allegations of Tehran's supply of drones to Russia following US pressure, where Ukraine was requested to introduce documents proving the accusations against Tehran.

Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian stated earlier that his country did, indeed, give a small batch of drones to Russia, but that was before the Ukraine war broke out.