Zelenskyy announces talks with Europe on joint air defense system
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv is preparing for talks with European partners on creating a joint air defense system, according to the Presidential Office.
"Already this week, we will have discussions with Europeans – negotiations on creating a joint air defense system," he said. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s integration into Europe’s security system is a matter of strategic choice.
"I am confident: either Ukraine becomes an integral part of Europe’s security system, or some in Europe risk becoming part of the 'Russian world,'" he added.
According to the President, Ukraine already has significant experience in countering aerial threats, particularly kamikaze drones, and is ready to share this expertise.
"Radar coverage, the necessary electronic warfare systems, communication between air defense components, and interception itself – Ukraine is capable of all of this," Zelenskyy noted.
He also said Ukrainian solutions are already being used beyond Europe. In particular, interceptor systems are operating in countries in the Middle East and the Gulf, where Ukraine is cooperating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
The President added that other countries, including Türkiye, Kuwait, and Oman, are also showing interest in Ukraine’s experience, and that security cooperation has an economic dimension.
"Ukraine is a global producer of strength and security – that is already the case, and it will remain so. And none of this is a gift from Ukraine. Long-term security agreements in the Middle East mean funding for our state every year. It is fuel for Ukraine – essential in global instability. It is also the types of weapons that we lack, but our partners have," Zelenskyy concluded.
Expanding air defense cooperation
Ukraine’s growing cooperation in air defense comes amid rising interest in its military technologies from partners. As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted, countries on the Alliance’s eastern flank and states in the Gulf are already using Ukrainian solutions to defend against drones.
According to him, such technologies did not exist just a year ago, but Ukraine’s combat experience allowed them to be rapidly developed. These innovations are now helping protect infrastructure and save lives not only in Ukraine but beyond.
Back in late March, Zelenskyy reached relevant agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar on countering Iranian drones. Requests for similar cooperation have also come from other countries in the region, including Bahrain and Oman.
