Ukrainian forces shot down Shahed drones during Iran war, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian Forces Deploy Abroad to Counter Iranian Drones, Zelenskyy Confirms

Ukrainian military personnel have been actively shooting down Iranian-designed Shahed drones in multiple Middle Eastern countries, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed in his first public acknowledgment of such operations. The Ukrainian leader described these missions as part of a broader effort to help partners counter the same weapons that Russia has been using against Ukraine.

Speaking to reporters in remarks initially embargoed until Friday, Zelenskyy emphasized that these were not training missions but actual defensive operations aimed at building effective air defense systems. Ukrainian forces participated in these activities before the tentative ceasefire was reached this week among Iran, the United States, and Israel.

“This was not about a training mission or exercises, but about support in building a modern air defense system that can actually work,” Zelenskyy stated.

While the Ukrainian president did not specify which countries benefited from this assistance, he confirmed that Ukrainian personnel operated across several nations in the region. Previous statements indicated that 228 Ukrainian experts were deployed to the Middle East to provide technical support.

The arrangement appears to be mutually beneficial. In exchange for their expertise, Ukraine is receiving weapons to protect its energy infrastructure, along with oil, diesel, and in some cases financial support. Zelenskyy described these partnerships as strategic collaborations that would be further developed as Kyiv seeks to establish itself as a defense exporter.

“We are helping strengthen their security in exchange for contributions to our country’s resilience,” he explained. “This is far more than simply receiving money.”

The disclosure comes at a critical time when there are mounting concerns that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East might divert Western military support from Ukraine, particularly regarding air defense supplies. These worries are especially acute as Russia continues its sustained assault on Ukrainian territory along the 1,250-kilometer front line.

Despite these concerns, Zelenskyy reassured that partner countries are continuing to supply missiles for Patriot systems, noting that a new batch had arrived recently. However, he warned that the coming months would be challenging for Ukraine, with increasing political and battlefield pressure as the United States turns its attention to domestic elections.

The Ukrainian leader also addressed diplomatic efforts, revealing he had invited U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Kyiv and proposed a trilateral format that would include Moscow. It remains uncertain whether these visits will materialize or if talks might instead occur in a third country.

On the energy front, Zelenskyy expressed concern about Western sanctions on Russian oil, arguing that any easing could enable Moscow to sustain its war effort. Russia has been benefiting from the recent surge in global energy prices, driven partly by damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf and Iran’s disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ukraine has responded by intensifying strikes on Russian energy facilities to reduce Moscow’s oil revenues. Interestingly, Zelenskyy acknowledged that international partners had requested Ukraine to scale back these attacks during Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

“I won’t say who asked us to do this. But partners did ask — it’s a fact. They asked at different levels, from political to military leadership,” he revealed.

In a separate development, Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine’s willingness to reciprocate after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a temporary Easter truce. Putin has declared a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, ordering Russian forces to halt hostilities from Saturday afternoon until the end of Sunday.

“We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and will act accordingly,” Zelenskyy stated on social media. “People need an Easter free from threats and real movement toward peace.”

Previous ceasefire attempts have had limited impact, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The Kremlin has described Putin’s move as a “humanitarian” gesture while maintaining that Moscow remains focused on a settlement based on its longstanding demands — a key obstacle to reaching a lasting agreement.

As these diplomatic and military developments unfold, Ukraine continues to navigate a complex international landscape, balancing its defensive needs with new strategic partnerships that extend far beyond its borders.