Written question asked by Simon Clarke (Conservative) on Tuesday, 24 January 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 January 2023 (named day). It was answered by David Rutley (Conservative) on Monday, 30 January 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Russia: Unmanned Air Systems

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ involvement in the (a) production and (b) provision of armed drones used by Russia in Ukraine.

Answer: Iran is now one of Russia's top military backers. The Iranian regime has sent hundreds of drones to Moscow, in violation of UNSCR 2231, which have been used to attack Ukraine's critical infrastructure and kill civilians. The UK has raised this issue alongside partners at the UN Security Council on 19 October and 19 December 2022. The UK adopted new sanctions against Iranian individuals and entities involved in these transfers in October and December. The FCDO will continue to work with partners to hold Iran to account for all of its malign activity.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 131276
Session: 2022-23
Subjects: Armed conflict Russia Ukraine Unmanned air systems Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk