Zelenskyy: Ukraine Offers Drone Defense Expertise to UAE

Zelenskyy Addresses National Security Council, Eyes Next Winter Preparedness

KYIV, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy convened a crucial National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) meeting to address the nation’s preparedness for the upcoming winter and potential Russian strikes. The meeting, held earlier today, included not only national government officials, law enforcement, and military leaders but also representatives from all Ukrainian regions and major cities. A specific, tailored plan has been developed for each region, focusing on energy security, critical infrastructure, and logistics for the coming winter months.

Urgent Decisions on National Resilience and International Cooperation

President Zelenskyy acknowledged that while the nation successfully navigated the past winter, challenges remain, particularly in the capital, Kyiv, which he described as unprepared. “We will overcome this challenge as well,” Zelenskyy assured, emphasizing a unified national task for both the immediate future and the next winter. “In the spring, the Russians are not going to reduce either the number or the cynicism of their strikes. They are preparing once again to hit critical infrastructure.”

The NSDC meeting focused on consolidating the best practices from various regions to inform a nationwide strategy. This strategy includes preparing for near-term threats and ensuring a robust energy and infrastructure system for the next heating season, aiming to prevent a repeat of the severe issues faced this past winter. Key components highlighted include alternative energy generation, supplementary power sources, and enhanced protective measures against the full spectrum of threats.

“Now we must take all the best experience from the regions, define detailed tasks for the military and for our diplomacy and implement two parts of the nationwide strategy. It is to prepare for strikes in the near term and to prepare for next winter in a way that prevents a catastrophe of problems like this winter.”

— President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ukraine Offers Shahed Drone Defense Expertise to Middle East Allies

In a significant development, President Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine is in discussions with leaders from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar regarding their defense against drone attacks, particularly those involving Iranian-made Shahed drones. Zelenskyy stated he spoke directly with the leaders of these nations, which are currently facing attacks. He expressed Ukraine’s solidarity with those resisting the spread of war and violence, directly linking Iran’s regime to Russia’s aggression.

“For decades, the Iranian regime invested in what destroyed the lives of its neighbors and everyone else it could reach. It was on this basis that they became accomplices with the Russians in the war against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy asserted. He stressed that Ukraine’s expertise in defending against Shahed drones is unparalleled globally, making it a valuable partner for countries in the Middle East experiencing similar threats.

“Ukraine’s expertise in defending against shaheds is now the greatest in the world and shaheds are the biggest challenge there in the region. It is clear why there are so many appeals to Ukraine,” he added. Zelenskyy outlined that cooperation would involve determining, at the team level between Ukraine, the UAE, Qatar, and other states, how to enhance protection. However, he underscored a critical condition: “any such cooperation to protect our partners can only happen without reducing our own potential here in Ukraine.” The president reiterated that protecting Ukrainians remains the nation’s top priority amidst ongoing Russian aggression.

Gratitude for Past Resilience and Future Challenges

The President extended his gratitude to all who contributed to overcoming the past winter’s hardships, including the military, citizens, air defense forces, heads of military administrations, community leaders, government officials, and infrastructure workers. He specifically thanked the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Emergency Service, and the National Police for their efforts, especially in border regions.

“It is also important to say thank you to the government officials who worked despite the fact that the defense was in separate communities, towns and villages. The government worked all together. I thank you for that,” Zelenskyy noted, acknowledging the collaborative effort across all levels of government and local authorities.

International Cooperation and Energy Security

Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of continued financial cooperation with international partners to ensure energy imports, including gas and electricity. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the war and the Iranian regime, which have led to rising energy prices and impacted the supply of air defense systems. “But we must have sufficient answers to this as well. All of us in the state must work together for that,” he stated.

Discussions with European Union leadership, including Ursula von der Leyen, also touched upon the situation surrounding Iran and bilateral issues with the EU. Ukraine is committed to fulfilling its obligations and expects fair treatment in return.

Looking Ahead: A Nation Prepares

The approved plans from the NSDC meeting are designed to bolster Ukraine’s resilience against future attacks and ensure energy security. With intelligence indicating continued Russian preparations for strikes, the focus remains on proactive defense and infrastructure reinforcement. The successful implementation of these plans, coupled with ongoing international diplomacy, will be crucial as Ukraine confronts the persistent threats posed by the war and navigates the complexities of global energy and security dynamics.

Source: Zelenskyy on Ukraine’s INVOLVEMENT in shooting down drones in UAE. An URGENT decision. Worth hearing (YouTube)