'I'm ready for this dialogue': Zelenskyy comments on Israel talks
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Iran had supplied Shahed drones to Russia, and that Moscow, in return, had helped Tehran improve and adapt this technology, according to The Jerusalem Post.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine had warned of the threat of these drones being used against civilians.
Drone deliveries and Iran's response
Zelenskyy notes that Kyiv had tried from the very beginning to stop the transfer of drones by directly appealing to the Iranian side.
However, officials in Tehran denied involvement and, according to the President, downplayed the extent of the cooperation.
"They said that 'Okay... we are not allies in this,'" he recalls.
He says the Iranians told Ukraine: "'We sold Russians this part of Shaheds, and it will be 1,200 or 1,300, and that’s all.' But it was not true. They lied, of course," Zelenskyy states.
Joint technology development
The President emphasizes that Russia has established its own drone production, including cheaper variants. Responding to a question about the possible transfer of technology to Iran, he says: "Yes, I'm sure."
Ukraine shares its experience
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is already helping other countries counter similar threats.
In particular, three groups of military experts were sent to assess air defense systems.
"Now, three groups are there. Now it’s up to the countries how to involve our expertise," Zelenskyy says.
"They asked our expertise about air defense. Air defense, it’s not attacks," the head of state notes.
Context and international reaction
Zelenskyy links the proliferation of drones to insufficient pressure on Russia.
"It’s a pity. We don’t see the power in the world who can really stop Putin."
He adds that Moscow and Tehran had jointly created this threat.
Possible dialogue with Israel
The President also comments on the possibility of contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"He has what I need, and I have what he needs. Therefore, I am ready for this dialogue."
As a reminder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy notes that Russia received approximately $10 billion in just two weeks of conflict in the Middle East, which, in his view, encourages the Kremlin leadership to continue military operations.
Less than a year ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had presented the US with a large-scale proposal for a drone deal worth up to $50 billion, which would include the export of Ukrainian technologies and the joint production of drones. To date, the US side has not yet made a final decision.
