Middle East events have shown difficulty of stopping missiles and Shaheds – Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the situation in the Middle East has demonstrated how difficult it is to ensure full protection against missiles and Shahed loitering munitions, even for countries that possess more advanced air defence systems than Ukraine. He added that Ukraine is willing to assist partner countries by sharing its experience in countering such attacks.

Source: Zelenskyy in his evening address on 1 March

Quote: "The situation in the Middle East has shown how difficult it is to provide 100% protection from missiles and Shaheds. Even the Gulf countries with higher-quality air defence systems and a larger number of such systems still fail to intercept all ballistic missiles. Some Shahed-type drones in the region have also evaded air defences.

Everyone can see that our experience of defence is, in many ways, irreplaceable. We are willing to share this experience, willing to help the nations that helped Ukraine this winter and throughout this war."

Details: Zelenskyy said Europe must build "real strength" and a genuine capability to defend its sky, land and sea from all types of attacks, which requires sufficient production capacity for air defence systems against both drones and ballistic missiles.

He added that Ukraine is carefully tracking every change in the situation around Iran and remains in coordination with its partners.

Quote: "It is important that this opportunity for change in Iran is used wisely. The Iranian people have long been left alone against violence, against the Iranian regime. By killing tens of thousands of its citizens in recent months, sustaining and organising wars in the region and supplying Russia with Shahed drones and related technology, the regime has made clear how it should be seen. It is important that there is a clear position to support people and life. It is important that American resolve, and the resolve of everyone in the world, truly works."

Background:

• On the morning of 28 February, President Donald Trump announced that the US had launched a large-scale operation against Iran. Israel also carried out strikes.
• Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Mohammad Pakpour, Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), were killed in morning strikes on Iran on 28 February.
• Iran responded with strikes on several Gulf countries where US military bases are located.
• Iran has announced that a three-member interim Leadership Council has been established to run the country following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

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