Zelenskyy confirms Ukraine took part in downing Shahed drones in Middle East

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed for the first time that Ukrainian forces participated in operations involving the downing of Iranian-made Shahed drones in the Middle East.

Zelenskyy said Ukrainian units were engaged in real combat operations abroad rather than training missions, using systems that have already proven effective in countering Shahed drones in Ukraine.

According to him, the operations took place ahead of a ceasefire agreement reached this week between Iran, the United States and Israel.

“This was not a training mission, but support for the development of a modern air defence system that can operate in real conditions,” Zelenskyy said.

He did not specify the countries where Ukrainian personnel were deployed, but previously stated that 228 Ukrainian specialists were operating in the region.

Zelenskyy added that Ukraine’s involvement was linked to agreements on security cooperation, including the provision of weapons for protecting energy infrastructure, fuel supplies such as oil and diesel and, in some cases, financial arrangements.

“We help strengthen their security in exchange for contributing to the stability of our country. This is much more than simply receiving money,” he said.