Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is prepared to share its operational experience and technologies for countering Iranian-made drones with international partners, but stressed that protecting Ukrainian cities remains his government’s primary focus.
Zelenskyy addressed reports that Ukrainian specialists could assist allied nations facing similar drone threats. While expressing openness to cooperation, he emphasized that Ukraine’s immediate priority is defending its own territory against ongoing attacks.
“My priority is clear. This morning I held a conference call, and again we discussed how to better protect Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv. We have many different challenges,” Zelenskyy said in February.
Ukraine has faced sustained drone and missile strikes since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, including repeated attacks involving Iranian-designed loitering munitions used by Russian forces. Ukrainian air defense units have developed tactics and technical adaptations to counter these systems over the course of the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s comments followed remarks by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicating that the United Kingdom could engage Ukrainian experts to assist partners in intercepting Iranian-designed drones. However, Zelenskyy said he has not received any formal requests.
“I haven’t received any direct requests, neither from Great Britain, nor from any of the partners, nor from representatives of the Middle East,” he told journalists.
The president noted that military cooperation has evolved since the early stages of the invasion. Initially, Ukrainian personnel traveled to partner countries including Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States for training. Now, he said, Ukraine has accumulated substantial battlefield experience and operational data on drone warfare, allowing for a more reciprocal exchange.
“We have very experienced people; we are ready to share information. Let our partners come to us, we can continue this,” Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine is open to sharing both expertise and relevant technologies with supporting nations.
His remarks carry additional weight amid heightened regional tensions following reports that an Iranian one-way attack drone struck the United Kingdom’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus. According to British media reports, the incident caused minor damage and no casualties but prompted precautionary measures, including the relocation of military families. Unconfirmed accounts suggested the drone may have been a Shahed-136 type, similar to those used in Ukraine.
Zelenskyy reiterated that while Ukraine is willing to assist partners, its first obligation is to safeguard its own population and infrastructure against continued aerial threats.
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Post Image Credit: President of Ukraine
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