UKRAINE, KHARKIV, Sep 10 — A possible new transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia is a direct threat to Kharkiv residents, said Oleh Syniehubov, governor of Kharkiv Oblast, to Ukrinform, Ukraine’s news agency.

Russian forces frequently use Iranian drones, e.g. Shahed-136, in their attacks on Kharkiv, to attack both critical infrastructure and civilian areas. The Russian strikes on the city intensified significantly since Moscow launched a new ground offensive north of the Kharkiv region in May. 

According to Oleh Syniehubov, the first information that Russia had received missiles from North Korea appeared in January of this year, when two missiles, analogous to Iskander, hit the central part of Kharkiv.

“We realized it right away. As soon as the Russians have a new type of weapon that they can use on a massive scale, of course, this is a direct danger to Kharkiv residents,” the governor said.

On September 6, The Wall Street Journal, citing its sources, reported that Iran had sent ballistic missiles to Russia.

According to the media, this transfer could provide Russia with another military tool to use in their war against Ukraine.

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