Ukrainian forces ‘shot down drones during Iran war’

Ukrainian military personnel shot down Iranian-designed Shahed drones in several Middle Eastern countries during the Iran war, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, saying the operations were part of a broader effort to help partners counter Russian weapons used in Ukraine.

Zelenskiy made his first public statement regarding the operations on Wednesday, in a speech to journalists who were embargoed until Friday.

He said Ukrainian forces are involved in active operations abroad using domestically produced interceptor drones that have been proven against the Iranian-designed Shahed drones that Russia uses in Ukraine.

“This was not about a training mission or exercise, but about support for the construction of a modern air defense system that could actually work,” Zelenskiy said.

Ukraine took part in defensive operations before a temporary ceasefire was reached in the Middle East between Iran, the United States and Israel this week.

Zelenskiy did not specify the countries involved, but said that Ukrainian personnel operated in many countries and helped strengthen air defense systems.

In return, Ukraine received weapons as well as oil, diesel and, in some cases, financial regulations to protect its energy infrastructure, he said.

The Ukrainian leader said the agreements would strengthen Ukraine’s energy stability and described the partnerships as something to “market” as Kiev seeks to formalize and expand its defense export role.

“In exchange for contributing to our country’s resilience, we help strengthen their security,” he said.

The statement came amid concerns that conflicts in the Middle East could divert Western military support, especially air defense supplies, away from Ukraine.

But Zelenskiy said partners continue to supply missiles for Patriot systems, a new batch has arrived in recent days, and Ukraine is working with all partners to ensure its air defenses remain in place.

He warned that next spring and summer will be difficult for Ukraine, with increasing political and battlefield pressure as the United States turns to domestic politics and elections.

Zelenskiy said he called on US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to visit Kiev and proposed a trilateral format with Moscow.

US-led talks have failed to make progress on key issues as Russian and Ukrainian forces remain locked in combat on the 1,200 km front line, while Washington’s attention shifts to the Middle East conflict.

Separately, Zelenskiy said he expected Western allies to reimpose all sanctions on Russian oil, warning that any relaxation could allow Moscow to continue its war effort.

Russia is profiting from a surge in global energy prices caused by damage to oil and gas infrastructure in the Gulf and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea route for global oil supplies.

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian energy facilities to cut off oil revenues as prices rise and U.S. sanctions ease.

Zelenskiy argued that his partners had called on Kiev to reduce its attacks as Iran dismantled the Strait of Hormuz, but that Russian oil had a limited impact on global markets.

Zelenskiy said that Ukraine was ready to reflect any ceasefire step after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a temporary Easter ceasefire.

“We proposed a ceasefire during the Easter holidays this year and we will act accordingly,” Zelenskiy said in a statement on X on Friday.

“People need an Easter free of threats and a real movement towards peace, and Russia also has a chance not to return to strikes after Easter.”

Putin announced a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend on Thursday, halting hostilities against Russia from Saturday afternoon until the end of Sunday.

Previous ceasefire attempts had little effect; both sides accused each other of violations.