Ukraine ready to provide interceptors to the Middle East — Zelenskyy outlines condition

Speaking at a briefing on March 3, following a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced readiness for military‑technical cooperation with Middle Eastern countries. Ukrainian interceptor drones could be supplied to partners in return for PAC‑3 missiles for Patriot systems.

He said countries in the region have Patriots but face growing threats from mass drone attacks.

«Today they have air defense systems, Patriot, PAC‑3 missiles — they have all of this. Is it important? Very important. But does it protect against hundreds of „Shaheds“? „It is a model that does not work, ” the president said.

At the same time, Ukraine is facing a shortage of PAC‑3 missiles, which are needed to intercept ballistic targets.

«If they give them to us, we will provide them with interceptors. It is an equal exchange. Of course, we will do it, ” Zelenskyy stressed.

The president underlined that protecting airspace has become a priority for Middle Eastern states.

«Undoubtedly, this is the number one issue for everyone — how to defend the sky. We ourselves live with this challenge. Our colleagues in the Middle East have never experienced such massive strikes, thank God. But now they face something similar. That is why everyone is interested in our experience, ” he said.

Zelenskyy also reported on talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, noting that teams would work on the practical implementation of possible cooperation.

Ukraine is ready not only to exchange weapons but also to share expertise in organising air defense and protecting civilian infrastructure from mass attacks.