Zelenskyy Highlights Ukraine’s Air Defense Experience Amid Middle East Conflict

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the recent events in the Middle East underscore the challenges of achieving complete protection from missile and drone attacks, even for nations with advanced air defense systems. He emphasized Ukraine’s readiness to share its experience in countering such attacks with partner countries who have provided assistance.

Zelenskyy’s Statement

According to a presidential appeal, Zelenskyy noted that even Gulf countries, possessing more sophisticated air defense capabilities than those currently deployed in Ukraine, have been unable to intercept all ballistic missiles and Shaheds (loitering munitions). He stated, “From the situation in the Middle East, you can see how tricky it is to provide 100% protection from missiles and Shaheds, even in the Gulf countries, which have better air defense systems than our partners have provided us so far, have more systems, and still do not shoot down all the ballistics. There are also Shaheds that were not stopped by air defense in the region.”

Zelenskyy further highlighted the value of Ukraine’s defensive experience, stating, “Everyone sees that our defense experience is in many ways irreplaceable. We are ready to disseminate this experience, we are ready to help those peoples who helped Ukraine this winter, and in general during this war.”

Call for European Air Defense Strengthening

The President stressed the necessitate for Europe to bolster its air defense capabilities, advocating for increased production of both drone and ballistic missile defense systems. He emphasized that “Europe must still provide itself with real strength, the real ability to defend its sky, its land, its sea from any type of attack, in particular, for this it is necessary to build sufficient volumes of air defense production both against drones and against ballistics.”

Monitoring Iran and International Coordination

Zelenskyy affirmed that Ukraine is closely monitoring developments surrounding Iran and maintaining coordination with its partners. He stated Ukraine records in detail every change in the situation around Iran.

Response to Events in Iran

Zelenskyy commented on the recent events in Iran, including the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, General Mohammad Pakpour, in strikes on February 28th. He also noted Iran’s subsequent strikes against facilities in Persian Gulf countries. He called for a clear position of support for people and life, and for the determination of the United States and the international community to be effective. He stated, “It is important that this chance for change for Iran is used correctly. The Iranian people for a long time were virtually alone against violence, against the Iranian regime. This regime, which has killed tens of thousands of its citizens in recent months alone, which has always supported and organized wars in the region, which gave Russia “Shaheds” and the technology for their production – this regime itself has determined its attitude towards it. It is important that there is a clear position of support for people and life, it is important that American determination, the determination of everyone in the world really work.”

Background

On February 28th, the United States initiated large-scale operations against Iran, with Israel also conducting strikes. Following these strikes, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting several Persian Gulf countries hosting American facilities. Iran has announced the formation of a three-member Transitional Leadership Council to manage governmental functions following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.