The European Union threatened to retaliate if it is confirmed that Russia is using Iranian drones to attack civilians in Ukraine

This Monday, the European Union agreed to gather information about Russian attacks against civilians in Ukraine with alleged Iranian drones and threatened to retaliate against Tehran if the allegations Ukrainian authorities.

“We are closely monitoring the use of drones, we are collecting evidence and we will be ready to respond with the tools at our disposal,” EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell said at a press conference after the meeting of the foreign affairs agencies. bloc ministers in Luxembourg.

Borrell explained that in their contacts with the Iranian authorities, they “categorically” deny that they sent such military materials to Moscow for use in war Ukraine. “Member States have asked to collect all available evidence to continue the relevant work,” he said.

At least four people were killed on Monday in a kamikaze drone attack on the center of Kyiv. According to Borrell, the issue of Iranian artifacts has created “consistent unity” among member states, arguing that there will be no problem agreeing on a response if all the “necessary evidence” is collected.

During the meeting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dimytro Kuleba, who participated via video link from the bunker, intervened, given the deteriorating situation in Kyiv. The official called for new sanctions against Russia for the military escalation and for measures to be taken against Iran for alleged military aid to Moscow.

Attack on a residential building

A Russian Su-34 military aircraft has crashed in the seaside resort town of Yeysk, on the Sea of ​​Azov, on the border with Ukraine, causing a major fire in a residential building, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

“At the crash site of the Su-34, in the courtyard of a residential area, the fuel of the aircraft ignited,” the ministry said in a statement, and footage on social networks filmed by eyewitnesses shows the building engulfed in flames.

According to local authorities, 17 apartments in a nine-story building were damaged.

Ukraine freed 108 women

Some 108 women, mostly military, have been released by Ukraine as part of a new prisoner exchange with Russia, an adviser to the Ukrainian president said on Monday.

“Today, another large-scale exchange of prisoners of war took place … we released 108 women in captivity. This is the first exchange of only women,” Chief of the General Staff of Ukraine Andriy Yermak told Telegram.

Among those released were most of the officers, soldiers and sergeants, as well as those evacuated from the Azovstal plant to the city of Mariupol (southeast), besieged by Russian troops at the beginning of the conflict.

(According to Europa Press and AFP)