Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his country’s readiness to assist international partners in stabilizing the Middle East, particularly in ensuring safe maritime navigation in the region. His comments followed a meeting on March 4 that addressed the ongoing situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is currently in discussions with both European and American partners, as well as neighboring countries of Iran. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges posed by Iranian drone attacks, which he likened to the Shahed drones that have targeted Ukrainian cities and infrastructure throughout the ongoing conflict.
“Yesterday, I spoke with leaders from the UAE and Qatar. Today, I had discussions with leaders from Jordan and Bahrain, with plans to engage with Kuwait and other regional nations. They all face significant challenges and openly discuss the threats posed by Iranian drones that have been used against us,” Zelensky remarked.
The Ukrainian leader noted that Iran has launched over 800 missiles and more than 1,400 drones in recent days, which threaten free navigation and disrupt global oil and gas prices. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to aiding in the protection of lives and stabilizing the situation, while ensuring that such assistance does not compromise Ukraine’s own security.
“Partners have reached out for support. I have instructed the Foreign Minister, along with intelligence and military leadership, to present options for assistance to these countries while safeguarding our own defense here in Ukraine,” he said.
Zelensky also mentioned that Ukrainian military forces possess the necessary capabilities to assist and that experts from Ukraine will be deployed to the region, with teams already coordinating efforts.
“We are prepared to help protect lives, support civilians, and contribute to efforts aimed at restoring safe navigation in the region. We expect the European Union, European nations, and the G7 to take active roles in dismantling the Iranian regime’s terrorist capabilities and in ensuring regional and global stability. We will continue to coordinate with our partners,” he added.
Previously, Zelensky indicated that interceptor systems are needed by Middle Eastern countries to neutralize Iranian Shahed drones, and Ukraine is willing to provide these in exchange for missiles for its Patriot air defense systems.
Military Operations Against Iran
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 eliminating perceived threats from the Iranian regime. He accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The operation’s objectives include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities to prevent global destabilization. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as attacking American military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
In response to the escalating military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council, while the European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
President Zelensky remarked on the necessity of providing Iranians with the opportunity to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by attacks from Iran.
On February 28, Trump tweeted about the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The following day, the IRGC announced the initiation of what it termed the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and American bases, prompting Trump to warn of a strong retaliatory response.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of the military operation against Iran would be even more devastating. By March 3, sources reported that Iran’s Assembly of Experts had elected a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the deceased Ali Khamenei.
President Zelensky has outlined Ukraine's willingness to assist in stabilizing the Middle East, particularly regarding safe maritime navigation. His remarks come amid escalating tensions and military operations involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.