Today I spoke with leaders of countries currently under attack from Iran โ the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Amir of Qatar. We will continue this diplomatic engagement with the broader Middle East and Gulf region.
Ukraine stands in solidarity with all those who are resisting the spread of war and violence. For decades, the Iranian regime has invested in destroying the lives of its neighbors and others wherever it could reach. It was on that very foundation that they became accomplices of Russia in the war against Ukraine.
Every โshahedโ drone in Ukrainian skies proves that the Iranian regime must be held accountable for its attempts to destroy lives and kill people. It is essential that those who defend life prevail in this confrontation.
At the level of our teams โ the Ukrainian team, the teams of the Emirates and Qatar, and other states โ we will determine how, together, we can provide stronger protection for life. Ukraineโs expertise in countering โshahedโ drones is currently the most advanced in the world, and these drones represent the primary challenge in that region as well. It is clear why so many requests are directed to Ukraine.
However, any such cooperation aimed at protecting our partners can only proceed without diminishing our own defense capabilities here in Ukraine. Russiaโs war against Ukraine continues, Russian strikes continue, and protecting Ukrainian lives remains our first priority.