Zelensky Says Ukraine Ready to Share Air Defense Expertise With Middle East

March 4 ------ President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine is ready to share its air defense expertise with Middle Eastern countries but will not transfer weapons that remain in short supply domestically. Speaking March 3, after a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), Zelensky said he remains in constant contact with representatives of Middle Eastern states interested in Ukraine’s experience countering missile and drone attacks.

According to Zelensky, Kyiv is prepared to conduct training, provide instruction and share practical expertise on effective air defense methods. “If leaders of the Middle East reach agreements with Putin and ensure economic stability and a ceasefire, our air defense specialists can travel to train or help protect against Iranian attacks. But if missiles are flying at us, we will stay here and defend our state,” Zelensky said. He emphasized that Ukraine would not transfer weapons that it currently needs.

Zelensky also suggested a potential mutually beneficial arrangement, saying that if partners provide Ukraine with additional missiles for Patriot systems, Kyiv could supply them with drone interception capabilities. Ukraine has developed significant expertise in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones during more than four years of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Source: kyivpost.com