KIEV, UKRAINE March 1, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Europe to urgently develop robust air-defense production capacity against drones and ballistic missiles, warning that even the most advanced systems cannot guarantee full protection — a lesson underscored by recent escalations in the Middle East.
In a video address posted to X late on March 1, Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must equip itself with the ability to defend its skies, land, and seas “against any type of attack.”
“The situation in the Middle East shows how difficult it is to provide one hundred percent protection against missiles and ‘Shahed’ drones,” he said. “Even in the Gulf countries, which have more advanced air defense systems than those provided to us so far by our partners and have them in larger quantities, not all ballistic missiles are intercepted. There were also ‘Shaheds’ that air defense in the region has not stopped.”
Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s hard-won experience defending against sustained Russian missile and drone barrages throughout the winter as “irreplaceable.”
“Everyone can now see that Ukraine’s experience in defense is, in many respects, irreplaceable. We are ready to share this experience and help those nations that helped Ukraine this winter and throughout this war,” he declared.
The Ukrainian leader proposed deeper cooperation to build Europe’s shared defensive capabilities, including sufficient stocks of air-defense missiles, expertise in intercepting drones, and mass production of modern interceptor drones.
“Thank you to everyone working to strengthen the power of a united Europe,” he concluded.
The statement comes amid growing global concern over aerial threats following Iran’s recent large-scale missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases and Gulf states, where advanced systems still failed to intercept every incoming projectile.
Zelenskyy’s appeal positions Ukraine not only as a recipient of Western aid but as a vital strategic partner capable of contributing directly to continental security.
The full video address and statement are available on President Zelenskyy’s official X account (@ZelenskyyUa).
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