Zelenskyy clarifies Ukrainian involvement in Middle East war
Zelenskyy analyzed the fighting in Iran and explained why the presence of modern aeroballistic systems is no longer a guarantee of security.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy / © Getty Images
The world is facing a "new type of warfare" for which most nations remain systematically unprepared, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during the national TV marathon.
The president noted that while the Middle East has long faced sporadic strikes, the current intensity of conflict is unprecedented. The region understands the threat, but lacks a systemic approach to countering mass drone attacks.
“We remember that strikes took place in this region from time to time. But there has never been this kind of drone-missile war. And for them, it is certainly a serious challenge. Systemically, they are not ready for large-scale attacks,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the president, countries in the region possess large numbers of aeroballistic systems from multiple manufacturers, not only from the United States. However, experience shows they perform differently against mass launches of "Shahed" drones compared with missiles.
What makes Ukraine’s defense system unique
Zelenskyy described what he called an ironic situation: some countries with advanced air defense systems previously refused to supply them to Ukraine over fears of escalation. Now, those same countries are being forced to deploy the weapons on their own territory.
Against this backdrop, Ukraine has built a unique layered defense network, now recognized internationally.
“What Ukraine has is systemic. Today everyone acknowledges it. There is nothing like it in the world right now. It is a single, integrated system that brings everything together, including electronic warfare, what we call small-scale air defense, Zelenskyy said.
He added that the systemic fight against "Shahed" drones is now the main global challenge, and countries in the Middle East fully understand the scale of the threat.
Russia’s 2026 strategy: mass over precision
Ukraine is closely analyzing Russia’s production plans. Zelenskyy says clear priorities are already emerging within Russia’s military-industrial complex, with Moscow shifting from expensive ballistic missiles to mass drone production.
“We analyze past programmes and current programmes for 2026,” Zelenskyy said.
The shift in the aggressor’s strategy requires new air defense and electronic warfare solutions for both Ukraine and the world, as drones are becoming the primary tool for mass attacks in modern conflicts.
Ukrainian specialists in the Middle East
Ukrainian specialists are already helping protect strategic infrastructure, energy facilities and civilians in the Middle East.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainian air defense and electronic warfare experts have been deployed to the region.