US, UK, and France Demand UN Probe into Russia’s Violation of Sanctions Using Iranian Drones in Ukraine

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The United States, the United Kingdom, and France have jointly called for an urgent investigation by the United Nations into Russia’s alleged utilization of Iranian-supplied drones in the Ukrainian conflict. Such actions would violate existing UN sanctions, although there is uncertainty regarding the UN’s response due to Russia’s strong opposition.

Despite substantial evidence suggesting their involvement in attacks on Ukrainian cities, Russia vehemently denies employing Iranian drones.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States highlighted that the US had recently released additional evidence documenting Iran’s provision of numerous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related production equipment. Ukraine and the United Kingdom also submitted evidence to the UN, showcasing Iranian drones recovered by the Ukrainian military.

“This is a matter of utmost importance, with Ukrainian lives hanging in the balance,” emphasized the US ambassador during her statement to the UN Security Council, which was co-signed by Albania and Ukraine.

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The five countries involved accused Russia of violating the Security Council resolution that endorses the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and six major powers. This violation allegedly occurred not only through the acquisition of Mohajer and Shahed drones but also by collaborating with Iran on the production of drones within Russia.

The 2015 resolution explicitly prohibits any country from transferring such weapons from Iran without prior Security Council approval, which was not granted, as stated in the joint declaration.

“Russia has recently deployed these UAVs to strike Kyiv, causing destruction to Ukrainian infrastructure and terrorizing and killing Ukrainian civilians,” asserted the US and its allies. “The international community’s mounting calls for an investigation necessitate a response from the United Nations.”

Deputy spokesman Farhan Haq of the UN confirmed that the Secretariat, led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, is currently assessing the information it received regarding the “alleged transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles by Iran in a manner inconsistent” with the 2015 resolution.

Haq mentioned that a report from Guterres, expected soon, will be reviewed by experts on the committee responsible for monitoring resolution implementation and subsequently by the 15-member Security Council in July. Russia, as one of the permanent members possessing veto power, will be involved in the process.

Thomas-Greenfield informed reporters that the resolution grants the secretary-general the authority to initiate an investigation. However, Haq did not indicate whether Guterres would exercise this authority.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia addressed the Security Council, stating that Ukraine had failed to provide Russia or Iran with any “credible evidence” concerning the use of Iranian drones.

“We hope that the secretary-general possesses the necessary discernment not to be misled by our former Western partners,” Nebenzia added.

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• United Nations
• United Nations Security Council
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• 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement