Dalena Reporters l Sunday, March 1, 2026
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has drawn attention to the difficulty of fully protecting nations from missile and drone attacks amid the ongoing Middle East conflict, asserting that even states with advanced air defence systems are struggling to intercept all incoming threats. In a televised address on Sunday, he offered Ukraine’s extensive experience in counter-air defence to allied countries grappling with similar challenges.
Zelenskyy highlighted that recent hostilities in the Gulf region — where ballistic missiles and loitering unmanned aerial vehicles known as Shaheds have been used extensively — demonstrate the limits of existing defence technologies. “The situation in the Middle East has shown how difficult it is to provide 100 per cent protection from missiles and Shaheds,” he said, noting that even countries with “higher-quality air defence systems” have been unable to stop all attacks.
Citing the experiences of Gulf states — particularly those with sophisticated radar and interceptor capabilities — Zelenskyy argued that Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia has equipped its forces with unique operational insights that could benefit other nations. He said Ukraine is willing to share this expertise with partners who have supported Kyiv during its war, particularly in adapting strategies against missile barrages and drone swarms.
The president also urged Europe to build “real strength” in air, land and sea defence to ensure comprehensive protection against diverse aerial threats. According to Zelenskyy, this requires enhanced production capacity for air defence systems capable of countering both ballistic missiles and unmanned drones a capability that remains critical as conflict dynamics evolve globally.
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, where military actions involving the United States, Israel and Iran have triggered widespread use of aerial weapons. His address underscored Ukraine’s strategic focus on air defence as a core component of modern warfare and international security cooperation.
The president also reaffirmed that Ukraine is closely monitoring developments around Iran and continues to coordinate with global partners, emphasising that shared defence knowledge and collaboration are vital in responding to evolving threats.