Zelensky: We Face Threats from Iranian 'Shahed' Drones Every Day

Russia carried out its latest drone attack on areas of Ukraine early on Saturday, November 12, targeting Kyiv and resulting in at least one injury. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that attacks were also reported in central Poltava and northeastern Sumy and Kharkiv. He mentioned on social media the use of Iranian-made attack drones by Russia, writing, 'This year, we have faced attacks from Shahed drones almost every night and sometimes in the morning or during the day.' Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv military administration, noted that debris from downed drones was widespread across six areas of the city. This attack injured a police officer, damaged residential buildings, and caused a fire. He added that all drones launched towards Kyiv were shot down. Earlier, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that two people were injured. Reuters reported hearing explosions inside and around the city during an air raid alert that lasted more than five hours. The Ukrainian military announced that its air defense had destroyed 49 out of 71 drones launched by the Russian army. The Ukrainian electricity company DTEK stated that a high-voltage line supplying power to the capital and two distribution networks in the Kyiv region were damaged. DTEK added that power had been restored to most areas and repairs were ongoing. In recent months, Russian forces have conducted continuous air attacks on Ukrainian cities behind the front lines. The Kyiv army announced on Friday, November 11, that Moscow's forces had launched over 2,000 drones at civilian and military targets across Ukraine in just the past month. Russia denies targeting civilians, claiming that electrical facilities are legitimate targets when part of Ukraine's military infrastructure. The United States has stated that Iran, which previously supplied drones to Russia, has recently provided ballistic missiles for attacks on Ukraine. The shipment of missiles to Russia, reportedly via the Caspian Sea, led to sanctions against Iran Air by the U.S. and some of its allies. The U.S. Department of Defense announced a $425 million military aid package to Ukraine. Russia is also engaged in extensive operations to spread fake news and distort public opinion in Europe. Secretary of State Blinken urged China to prevent North Korea from joining Russia in the war against Ukraine. North Korea has stated it will support Moscow until victory over Ukraine is achieved. The U.S. claims that about 8,000 North Korean soldiers have been stationed at the Russia-Ukraine border. The U.S. has sanctioned 400 individuals and entities for supporting Russia's aggression against Ukraine.