Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder confirmed that Iranian UAVs are being used in Ukraine "as psychological weapons used to create fear."

In response to a question by Al Mayadeen's correspondent regarding the impact of the UAVs, Ryder said that "from a Department of Defense standpoint, our focus is on working with Ukraine, our international allies and partners, to provide Ukraine with the support that they need, which has included counter-UAS systems, and air defense systems."

Ryder also allegedly reaffirmed "In terms of the impact that the drones are having...these drones are used as psychological weapons used to create fear," adding that "from an operational, from a strategic standpoint, it still doesn't change the fact that Russian forces on the ground continue to lose territory or at best hold ground."

In response to a question by #AlMayadeen's correspondent, #Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder described the #Iranian UAVs that are allegedly being used in #Ukraine as "psychological weapons".
Read in full: https://t.co/qC8T01HrHw pic.twitter.com/9qt7Hg9ltF

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) October 21, 2022

Furthermore, he noted that "we're committed to continuing to keep that dialogue open through forums like the Contact Group, to ensure that Ukraine is getting what they need to defend their country."

It is worth noting, that in light of the impending recession in the US, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy promised on Tuesday, that Ukraine will not receive a "blank check" for aid if the Republicans win the majority of seats in the lower house of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. The statement shocked Ukraine’s negotiator in the halted peace talks with Russia, Davyd Arakhamia who said "We were shocked to hear these comments of Mr. McCarthy, honestly."

US to impose sanctions on Iran and Russia despite no proof of UAV sale

The US State Department said in a statement that it is committed to imposing sanctions to prevent Iran from allegedly delivering "dangerous weaponry" to Russia.

Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Saeed Iravani, told reporters on Wednesday that the accusations against Iran and claims that it provided UAVs to Russia for use in Ukraine are rejected by Tehran and considered unfounded.

"We are committed to working with allies and partners to prevent the transfer of dangerous weaponry to Russia. We will not hesitate to use our sanctions and other appropriate tools on all involved in these transfers," the State Department said.  

Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's First Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, said that Western allegations concerning the sale of Iranian drones to Russia are only a ploy to increase pressure on both Moscow and Tehran.

Iran and Russia have denied US allegations concerning suspected Iranian military sales to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine.

Read more: US threatens action against alleged Iranian drones Russia used in Kiev