Zelensky proposes swapping interceptor drones for Patriot missiles
President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is ready to share interceptor drones with Middle Eastern partners in exchange for missiles for Patriot systems. He emphasized that such cooperation would strengthen the defensive capabilities of Ukraine and its partners in the region.
He made these remarks in an interview with Rai Italia.
“Regarding weapons: we are at war ourselves. I said quite frankly: we are lacking what they have. They have missiles for the Patriots, but with those missiles they cannot shoot down hundreds or thousands of Shaheds—it’s too costly. For people, it doesn’t matter, of course, but they simply don’t have that many missiles. So they need interceptor drones, which we have. And we are short on PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles. So, if we talk about technology exchange, weapon exchange, I think our country will be open to this,” Zelensky said.
He also confirmed receiving requests from Middle Eastern partners for expertise in countering Iranian drones.
“There were Iranian Shahed strikes against civilians in these countries. They want our expertise. We are open. If their representatives come, we will provide the expertise. Moreover, there are requests from Europeans and the United States. We have requests to share experience with partners from the Middle East,” the President added.
Zelensky urged not to trust Putin’s statements about the end of the war. Zelensky discussed the threat of Iranian missiles and Shaheds with the King of Jordan.
The United States is ready to sign security guarantees for Ukraine only within an agreement with Russia.
Zelensky declined to comment on the performance of the Ukrainian negotiating team.
Ukraine has received Russia’s plans for 2026–2027, according to Zelensky.
