Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he is “not afraid” of threats made by Iran’s National Security Committee head, Ebrahim Azizi, who warned of potential missile strikes on Ukraine in retaliation for its support of Israel. Zelensky made these remarks during an interview with i24NEWS and the Jerusalem Post, which he shared on Telegram.
In response to inquiries about Iran’s threats linked to Ukraine’s assistance to Gulf nations, Zelensky emphasized that such statements are not new, noting that Ukraine has been hearing similar rhetoric for the past twelve years. He added, “We are not afraid of such statements.”
“It is important for us that the United States and leaders of Middle Eastern countries have sought our expertise in air defense. They have approached us for assistance in intercepting drones. Air defense is not about offensive capabilities. That is why I said we are ready to help with this expertise and defensive systems,” Zelensky stated.
On March 14, Azizi had threatened Ukraine with strikes due to its support for Israel regarding drone technology, declaring that all Ukrainian territory is now a “legitimate target” for Tehran.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Azizi’s threats as absurd. Zelensky previously mentioned that Ukraine has received eleven requests for security support from neighboring countries of Iran, European nations, and the United States to counter Iranian Shahed drones and similar threats. He also noted that the first Ukrainian team to assist Gulf nations in repelling Iranian drone attacks has already departed for the Middle East. No details have emerged regarding discussions between Kyiv and Israeli authorities on this matter.
In a broader context, on February 28, Israel conducted an attack on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce a “major military operation” against Iran aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, stating that the operation’s goal is to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and prevent global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In light of the escalating military operations against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Zelensky remarked on the importance of providing Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC declared the initiation of a “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned Iran to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response.”
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating. By March 6, Trump emphasized the need for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had several candidates for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this election, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.”
Ukrainian President Zelensky addressed Iranian threats regarding missile strikes on Ukraine, emphasizing the country's readiness to assist Gulf nations with air defense. This comes amid heightened tensions following Israeli military actions against Iran and ongoing geopolitical challenges in the region.