Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine has developed a unique systematic approach to countering drone and missile threats, particularly from Iranian-made Shahed drones, and is sharing this expertise with countries in the Middle East.
During a broadcast of the “Unified News” telethon, Zelensky emphasized that while these nations have a professional military presence and various anti-ballistic systems, they are not fully prepared for large-scale drone attacks. He stated, “From time to time, strikes occurred, but there has never been such a drone-missile war. For them, this is a serious challenge.”
“They are professionals, and they have a large number of anti-ballistic systems,” Zelensky added.
Zelensky outlined that Ukraine has established a comprehensive air defense system that integrates electronic warfare capabilities and small-scale air defense mechanisms, which he claims is unparalleled globally. He noted that this systematic approach to countering Shahed drones represents a significant challenge for the world.
“In the Middle East, everyone understands what this is about. We see, for example, the programs for the use and production in Russia from intelligence sources. We analyze old programs and compare them with modern ones for 2026. They all indicate a shift from mass ballistic production and use to large-scale drone attacks. This is cheaper and can fundamentally disrupt critical infrastructure,” he explained.
According to Zelensky, the Ukrainian experience is crucial, particularly as Russia aids Iran. He stated that Ukraine provides precise expertise to other nations for the protection of civilian infrastructure and populations.
When asked whether Ukraine intends to acquire American missile analogs from Middle Eastern countries in exchange for its own developments, Zelensky responded cautiously, indicating that Eastern nations are typically prudent in such dealings. He confirmed that two significant meetings had taken place, which were favorable for Ukraine.
“We will also be cautious in our approach to the East. I will not elaborate further, but I want to emphasize that there were two important meetings, and they were positive for us,” he said.
Moreover, Zelensky noted that Ukrainian experts are currently assisting in the protection of strategic sites, energy sectors, and civilian populations in the Middle East. He previously stated that Ukraine seeks support from these nations in the form of air defense missiles in exchange for the expertise of Ukrainian specialists and the sale of interceptor drones.
As of now, there are 228 Ukrainian specialists in the Middle East aiding local air defense forces in countering Iranian strike drones. Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine has received 11 requests from neighboring countries of Iran, European nations, and the United States for security assistance in combating Iranian Shahed drones and similar threats.
In a related context, on February 28, Israel conducted strikes 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 financing and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have launched missiles and drones towards Israel and attacked U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the military actions against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting. The European Union reiterated its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Zelensky suggested that it is justifiable to give Iranians a chance to rid themselves of a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by attacks originating from Iran.
On March 1, Trump announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC declared the commencement of the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic against Israel and U.S. military bases.
Trump warned Iran against pursuing these plans, threatening a significant retaliatory strike. 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.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change of leadership in Iran, suggesting he had candidates in mind for a “good leader.” Subsequently, on March 8, the Iranian 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 will see what happens.” He had previously suggested that the new leader of Iran would not last long without the approval of the White House.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has detailed Ukraine's expertise in drone defense, particularly against Iranian-made threats, and its efforts to assist Middle Eastern nations in enhancing their air defense capabilities. As regional tensions rise, Ukraine's strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives are becoming increasingly significant.