Expert: Russia uses Iranian drones as cheap substitute for cruise missiles

Russia massively uses Iranian drones as a cheaper substitute for expensive cruise missiles, particularly in attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, military expert David Gendelman told Report, commenting on the use of Iranian drones by Russia in the war against Ukraine.

"Iran is selling them to Russia as part of strengthening strategic cooperation. Apparently, assessing the chances of signing a nuclear deal and the subsequent removal of sanctions against Iran as low, the Iranian leadership decided to strengthen the 'union of outcasts.' Both Iran and Russia are now under sanctions, which brings them closer and forces them to look for common ground," he said.

According to Gendelman, military cooperation between Russia and Iran dates back to 2015, the start of joint operations in Syria. Now we can note the strengthening and solidification of these ties.

"As for the introduction of additional sanctions against Iran due to the supply of weapons to Russia, so far they have been introduced only against specific individuals and firms involved in the supply of drones," the expert noted. "Wider sanctions and other pressure measures are being discussed, and in particular, there were statements by the US State Department. But so far, everything remains at the level of statements."