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Breaking Down Barriers in Israel’s Tech Scene
The Shahed Drones: A Harrowing Part of Daily Life in War-Torn Ukraine
These latest versions, shot down earlier this month, boast artificial intelligence modules, video cameras, and two-way radio communication with human operators. Their presence has sparked a sense of unease among Ukrainians, who have faced the drones’ wrath since 2023. Denys Kovalenko, a survivor of one such attack, recalls the terror he felt as glass shards rained down on him.
The Escalation and Its Consequences
As tensions between Israel and Iran escalate, Ukraine fears “more losses” to Russia. The country’s reliance on US military aid is already in doubt, with Washington diverting 20,000 anti-drone missiles meant for Kyiv to Israel. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that without this support, Ukraine will suffer “more losses.” Analysts say that Washington’s support for Kyiv may be set to decline further, leaving Ukraine vulnerable.
The Kremlin sees an opportunity in this shift in focus. Nikita Smagin, an expert on Russia-Iran relations, notes that the year 2022 was the “peak of Iran’s significance for Russia as a military partner.” The Kremlin has invested tens of billions of dollars into its military-industrial complex to bypass Western sanctions and supply chips, machine tools, and dual-purpose goods for its weapons.
A Partnership of Convenience
Russia and Iran have formed a strategic partnership that does not envisage mutual defense. Moscow will provide arms supplies to Tehran, but it is unlikely to commit to military action similar to the Russian air raids against Syria’s opposition forces. The Kremlin views this partnership as a way to secure its interests in the Middle East, particularly in the oil trade.
A fifth of global
A Geopolitical Catastrophe for Ukraine
As Moscow’s attention turns to Iran and Israel, Ukraine faces an uncertain future. Will the US refocus on Kyiv or will Washington prioritize its allies in the region? Analyst Aleksey Kuschch warns that the US’s return to the Middle East is a “geopolitical catastrophe” for Ukraine, leaving little room for argument.
The Shahed drones have become a constant presence in Ukraine’s skies, and it remains to be seen how the country will fare without the support of its Western allies. Can Kyiv withstand the onslaught, or will the fate of millions hang in the balance? Only time will tell.
