Ukraine Has Most Extensive Experience Countering Shahed Drones, Says Zelenskyy

Ukraine currently possesses the world’s most extensive experience in defending against Iranian-designed Shahed drones, and Russian forces show no intention of reducing the intensity of their strikes this spring.

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 3, Moscow is preparing to continue large-scale attacks, including targeting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

The President noted that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, supported by the Iranian regime, has created challenges regarding rising energy prices and the supply of necessary air defense systems. Zelenskyy emphasized that the state must work together to provide sufficient answers to these threats.

During a discussion with Ursula von der Leyeon on March 3, Zelenskyy addressed the situation regarding Iran and various bilateral issues with the European Union. He stated that Ukraine is fulfilling its obligations and expects fair treatment toward the interests of its people.

"It is important that the defenders of life prevail in this confrontation. At the level of our teams—the Ukrainian team and the teams of the Emirates, Qatar, and other states—we will determine how we can all work together to provide more protection for life. Ukrainian expertise in defending against Shaheds is currently the greatest in the world, and it is the Shaheds that are the biggest challenge there, in the region," Zelenskyy said.

Zelenskyy also held talks with leaders from countries currently facing threats from Iran, including the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Qatar. He expressed solidarity with those opposing the spread of violence and noted that the Iranian regime has spent decades destroying lives in its region, leading to its alliance with Russia.

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According to the President, every Shahed drone in Ukrainian skies proves that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its attempts to destroy lives. He stated that Ukrainian teams will work with partners in the UAE and Qatar to determine how to provide better protection for civilians.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had emphasized that while Ukraine was prepared to share its operational experience and technologies for countering Iranian-made drones with international partners, the defense of Ukrainian cities remained the absolute priority. 

He noted that although the United Kingdom and other allies had expressed interest in Ukrainian expertise following drone threats in the Middle East, he had not yet received formal, direct requests for such assistance. 

Zelenskyy highlighted that after years of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the flow of military information had become reciprocal, and Ukraine was open to sharing its data with the nations that had supported its own defense efforts.

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