Ukraine says Iranian-made drones intercepted over Kyiv

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Ukraine on Saturday morning said it had intercepted and destroyed Iranian-made drones headed towards the capital Kyiv overnight, the second time in a week. 

“According to preliminary information, Iranian-made Shahed loitering munitions moving in the direction of the capital were detected in the airspace during the latest air raid alert,” Ukraine’s state media cited Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, as saying. 

He added that the drones were “successfully destroyed” without specifying how many drones were launched. This marks the second attack reportedly involving Iranian-made Shahed drones over the past week. 

On Monday morning, Ukraine’s air defense said it had shot down 35 Iranian-made drones over Kyiv. The day coincided with Russia’s Victory Day parade celebrating the defeat of the Nazis in World War II. 

Iran has been accused of supplying Russia with drones for use against Ukraine, leading to a barrage of international sanctions and condemnations. Tehran said the drones it sent to Russia preceded the war in Ukraine, which broke out last February.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian this month once again rejected the allegations that it has supplied Russia with drones for use in its invasion of Ukraine, saying Tehran is not providing assistance to either side of the war.

Ukraine has received large amounts of military support and air defenses from its Western allies, making it difficult for Russian warplanes to target the country. Explosive drones have become a cheaper and more efficient weapon for Russia.