Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Ukraine is ready to cooperate with international partners by exchanging modern interceptor drones for missiles for air defense systems (ADS). According to him, such agreements could be beneficial for both sides: partners would receive the necessary drones to protect their territories, while Ukraine would gain additional missiles for ADS, which are currently in short supply.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine Shares Experience in Combatting Iranian Drones
Additionally, Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian specialists are prepared to share their experience in downing Iranian “Shahed” drones with countries that are facing attacks from these devices amid the war in the Middle East. The president noted that relevant requests have already been received from partners in the region, as well as from Europe and the USA. If representatives from interested countries come to Ukraine, they will be provided with the necessary expertise.
“We have received signals from partners in the Middle East. Iranian ‘Shaheds’ have struck civilian populations in these countries. They are seeking our expertise. We are open. If their representatives come, we will provide the expertise. Moreover, there is also a request from Europeans and from the United States. We are receiving requests to share our experience with partners in the Middle East,” the president stated.
Zelensky stressed that Ukrainian interceptor drones could serve as an effective alternative in the fight against numerous “Shaheds.” Using expensive “Patriot” missiles to intercept cheaper drones is economically unfeasible, and the number of missiles available to partners is limited. Therefore, the exchange of technologies and weapons is relevant for strengthening the defense capabilities of both sides.
Risks for Ukraine Due to Escalation of Conflict in the Middle East
The President of Ukraine expressed concern that in the event of a protracted war in the Middle East, the United States may reduce the supply of ADS and missiles to Ukraine. This could impact the security of the state, as the missile shortage remains a critical issue.
Separately, Zelensky reported evidence that Russia is supplying Iran with weapons or their components, including electronics for “Shahed” drones. Fragments of downed drones indicate the use of components manufactured in Russia. The president does not rule out that Russia may also supply Iran with ADS.
Meanwhile, the USA and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran launched missile strikes on Israel and American military bases in the Persian Gulf region. Not only military targets but also civilian objects in various countries in the region came under fire.
US President Donald Trump emphasized that ending Russia’s war against Ukraine remains one of the main priorities of his policy. At the same time, according to Zelensky, negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war involving Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington are currently suspended due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, although contacts between Ukraine and the USA continue daily.
Zelensky noted that a trilateral diplomatic meeting is only possible when the security situation and political context allow it. Ukraine reaffirms its readiness to participate in such negotiations as soon as the appropriate opportunity arises.
The situation in the Middle East remains tense. The advisor to Iran’s supreme leader, Mohammad Moghbeir, stated Tehran’s readiness for a prolonged confrontation with the USA and Israel, while Trump had previously emphasized that the USA has the resources for “endless war.”