Ukrainian President Zelensky has announced for the first time that during the Iran war, Ukrainian forces shot down Iranian-designed “Shahed” drones in several Middle Eastern countries to assist partner nations in countering these weapons used by Russia to attack Ukraine.
According to reports from the Associated Press, Zelensky revealed Ukraine’s involvement in these defense operations in the Middle East to journalists on Wednesday (8th), with the information being made public for the first time on Friday.
On April 10, Zelensky posted on social media that Ukrainian troops were engaged in actual combat operations overseas, using domestically-produced intercept drones that have been tested in real combat and proven effective against Russia’s “Shahed” drones.
He emphasized that these were not training missions or exercises but rather efforts to help establish a truly effective modern air defense system. These actions took place before the ceasefire agreement reached this week between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Zelensky did not disclose the specific countries where Ukraine participated in these defense operations, but he noted that Ukrainian forces were deployed in multiple countries to assist in strengthening local air defense systems. In return, Ukraine is receiving weapons to protect its energy infrastructure, including ammunition, oil, diesel, and financial arrangements in some cases.
Zelensky stated that the agreements signed with these countries would enhance Ukraine’s energy stability as Kyiv seeks to formally establish and expand its role in defense exports. He described this cooperation as a “scalable” model and emphasized the contributions made to Ukraine’s resilience through assisting them with security measures.
Previously, Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine had deployed 228 experts in the Middle East.
This comes as concerns arise that the conflict in the Middle East may weaken Western military support for Ukraine, especially in the supply of air defense materials. However, Zelensky stated that Ukraine’s partners continue to provide the ammunition needed for the “Patriot” air defense system. He added that a new batch of missiles had recently arrived, and Ukraine is working with all partners to ensure the operation of its air defense system.
Zelensky also mentioned that he had invited U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to visit Kyiv and made the invitation before the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran was reached.
As Washington shifts its focus to domestic affairs, Ukraine is expected to face greater challenges in the upcoming spring and summer, with increasing political and battlefield pressures.
“I told them (US envoys): ‘Come to us first, then go to Moscow. Let’s have trilateral talks in this format,'” Zelensky said, noting that it is not yet clear whether the US envoys will visit Kyiv or if negotiations will be held in a third country.
With Washington’s attention now on the conflict in the Middle East, the US-backed Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations have yet to make substantial progress on key issues, as both sides continue to engage in fighting along the approximately 800-mile front line.
In addition, Zelensky expressed hope for Western allies to reinstate comprehensive sanctions on Russian oil. He warned that any relaxation of measures could enable Moscow to maintain its war capabilities and sell off critical energy assets.
Russia has been profiting from the surge in global energy prices due to damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf region and Iran’s blockade of the vital oil supply route through the Strait of Hormuz.
With rising oil prices and the US easing sanctions on Russia, Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian energy facilities to weaken its oil revenue.
Zelensky noted that during Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Ukraine’s partners urged Kyiv to reduce attacks on Russia. However, he stated that Russia’s impact on the global market was limited.
He also mentioned that following Russian President Putin’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire for Orthodox Easter, Ukraine is prepared to respond to any ceasefire measures.
“We have proposed a ceasefire during this Easter and will act accordingly,” Zelensky stated on Friday via the X platform.
“People need an Easter without threats, truly moving towards peace, and Russia has the opportunity to not resume attacks after Easter,” he said.
Putin announced on Thursday (9th) to implement a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, ordering Russian forces to halt hostilities against Ukraine from 4 p.m. local time on Saturday (11th) until Sunday.
However, based on past experiences, temporary ceasefires like this have had limited effectiveness, with both sides often accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreements.