Unverified reports from the anonymous social media account General SVR, suggest that the Kremlin is courting Iranian military support for the war in Ukraine.
Supplied Drones
General SVR claims ties to former Russian intelligence members. According to that account Russian officials have been in discussions with Tehran to send Iranian soldiers to join the conflict, marking a significant potential escalation if true.
While Iran has already supplied drones used by Russia in Ukraine, sending troops would signal a new level of direct involvement in the conflict, according to SE.
Russia’s search for additional manpower likely stems from the high toll its own forces have faced. Since the invasion began, estimates suggest that Russia may have suffered over 600,000 casualties.
Hope for Agreement This Year
These significant losses have strained the Russian military, with frequent reports of inexperienced or poorly equipped soldiers being sent to the front lines.
The high casualty rate underscores the challenges Russia faces in sustaining its military presence in Ukraine as the conflict drags on longer than initially anticipated.
General SVR claims that Russian leaders are trying to convince Iran that participation in Ukraine would provide valuable combat experience for its forces, portraying the conflict as an opportunity for Iran to gain modern battlefield exposure.
The Kremlin allegedly hopes to finalize an agreement with Iran by the end of the year, with Iranian forces possibly arriving as soon as January.
So far, Iran’s response appears uncertain. While Tehran hasn’t dismissed the possibility outright, the report suggests Iran is approaching the proposal with caution.
This hesitancy contrasts with North Korea’s reported eagerness to support Russia with troops, though no North Korean presence has been confirmed on the ground in Ukraine either.
