Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reached out to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss strategies for countering Iranian drones. This request was confirmed by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Israel, Yevhen Korniichuk, who noted that scheduling conflicts have delayed the conversation, but he anticipates it will take place early next week.
The Israeli initiative comes as Ukraine has gained substantial experience in intercepting Iranian-made drones, highlighting a potential collaboration between the two nations on this pressing issue. This dialogue is particularly relevant given the ongoing tensions in the region.
Earlier, Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s National Security Commission, claimed that Ukraine has become a “party to the war” by providing drone support to Israel. He stated that such actions could render Ukraine a legitimate target for Iran under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
In response, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Iran has long facilitated attacks on Ukrainians by supplying drones and technology to aggressors. They described Azizi’s statement as “absurd,” while refraining from confirming or denying any drone support to Israel.
This exchange of statements occurs amid continued strikes by the U.S. and Israel against Iranian targets. Tehran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks not only against Israel and U.S. military installations in the region but also against several neighboring countries viewed as allies of the United States.
In early March, President Zelensky announced that Ukraine would assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian attacks, with plans for Ukrainian experts to work on-site. Reports from the Financial Times indicated that the U.S. and an unnamed Gulf nation are exploring the purchase of Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iranian Shahed drones.
Zelensky has also proposed a “quiet exchange” of assistance with Middle Eastern nations, seeking missiles for air defense systems in return. As of March 9, following the onset of U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran, Ukraine had received 11 requests for drones capable of thwarting drone attacks. These requests came from countries neighboring Iran, as well as European nations and the U.S.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has requested a conversation with Ukrainian President Zelensky to address the threat posed by Iranian drones. This dialogue reflects Ukraine's expertise in drone interception and the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran.
Source: Ynet