EU Officials Expect Iran to Supply Ballistic Missiles to Russia Soon, Bloomberg Reports

European Union officials anticipate that Iran will soon deliver ballistic missiles to Russia, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation. This move could lead to a significant escalation in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as the delivery of such weapons would mark a new phase in the ongoing war.

According to Bloomberg, Iran has already provided Russia with drones during the 2.5-year conflict, but the potential transfer of ballistic missiles raises particular concerns. The sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information, did not disclose details regarding the type, quantity, or timing of the shipments. However, one official suggested that the deliveries could begin within a matter of days.

Ballistic missiles typically travel faster and can carry larger payloads than cruise missiles or drones. Bloomberg notes that such a transfer would likely trigger additional sanctions against Iran, although the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain given the extensive sanctions already in place, particularly those related to Iran’s drone supplies to Russia.

This development comes as Ukrainian forces face increasing pressure in the eastern Donetsk region, where Russian advances continue and cities and critical infrastructure are under constant attack. According to Bloomberg, Kyiv was targeted on Monday by a barrage of cruise and ballistic missiles, several of which evaded Ukrainian air defenses.

The situation highlights the challenges Ukraine and its allies face in maintaining and enhancing the country’s air-defense systems. Despite pledges made earlier this year, several NATO allies have yet to fulfill their commitments to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, leaving the country vulnerable as it approaches the third winter of the conflict, Bloomberg reports.

According to Bloomberg, the Group of Seven (G7) nations plans to publicly condemn any missile transfers from Iran to Russia and increase diplomatic pressure on governments in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to urge its allies to provide more support, including lifting restrictions on strikes within Russian territory.