Ukraine and Syria to cooperate on security, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that over 200 Ukrainian military experts are deployed in the Gulf region and wider Middle East to assist governments in defending against Iranian drone attacks. Zelenskyy stated that these experts, specializing in anti-drone technology, are currently stationed in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and are en route to Kuwait, with agreements in place with other nations. He emphasized Ukraine's commitment to preventing the success of Iranian drone terror against its neighbors. Zelenskyy also claimed that Russia has been using Iranian Shahed drones, which he alleges contain Russian components, in its war against Ukraine since 2022. He accuses Iran of providing Russia with the technology to produce and launch these drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is assisting five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region in defending against Iranian drone attacks. Ukraine is providing expert assessments and helping build defense systems, leveraging its experience in developing effective drone interceptors during the conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy also mentioned that the United States and European countries have requested similar support. Ukraine is exploring a potential role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz. Kyiv hopes to exchange its drone expertise for advanced air defense missiles, which it needs to counter Russian aerial attacks, amid concerns about dwindling missile supplies due to the Iran war.

During a visit to the UK, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that European nations must prepare for potential drone attacks from non-state actors like terrorist groups and criminal networks. He highlighted the increasing affordability and accessibility of drone technology, making mass attacks possible for more than just wealthy states. Zelenskyy emphasized the alliance between Russia and Iran, noting Russia's use of Iranian-designed drones in attacks on Ukraine and the evolution of these drones with AI. He suggested the Middle East conflict is relevant to Ukraine due to shared military technology between Iran and Russia. Zelenskyy offered Ukraine's defensive support to Western allies, including interception teams and radar systems, to protect military and civilian sites.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks a defined timeline for the next round of negotiations with Russia to end the ongoing war, which has been stalled partly due to the conflict in the Middle East. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for "clear dates" for discussions. Ukrainian negotiators are scheduled to meet in the United States to discuss US-brokered attempts to reach an agreement. Previous negotiation rounds in Geneva and Abu Dhabi failed due to territorial disputes, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede 20% of the Donetsk region. Ukraine seeks security guarantees from Western allies as part of any potential agreement. Zelenskyy indicated the US is ready to continue facilitating negotiations.

Peace talks between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine regarding the Ukraine war are currently on a "situational pause," according to the Kremlin. This announcement follows a report suggesting the Iran war has temporarily halted negotiations between Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that the pause would be temporary and negotiations would resume. The US and Israeli attack on Iran has diverted US attention away from Ukraine and triggered soaring prices for oil and gas - of which Russia is a major global producer and exporter. The Izvestia newspaper reported that the Iran war could push Kyiv towards compromise.

The Kremlin announced that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are on a "situational pause" due to the intensifying conflict in the Middle East. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia hopes the pause will end when the U.S. can refocus on the Ukraine conflict. Despite this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that negotiations could resume soon, stating that Kyiv has received signals from the U.S. that it is ready to resume talks. A Ukrainian negotiating team is reportedly en route to the U.S. for meetings. The pause comes as Ukraine is increasingly involved in the Middle East conflict, providing technology to counter Iranian drone attacks.

Ukraine is facing increased pressure due to the ongoing war, as Russia prepares for a new offensive. The article includes images from February and March of 2026 showing Russian military activities in Ukraine, Ukrainian soldiers at the front lines in the Kharkiv region, and the aftermath of Russian missile attacks in Kharkiv. A photo also depicts a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in December 2025. The article highlights the challenges Ukraine faces amidst the conflict and the anticipation of further Russian military action. The specific reasons for the increased pressure beyond the impending offensive are not detailed in the provided text.

President Zelensky met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to urge continued support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, as the Iran conflict draws global attention and resources. Zelensky highlighted the growing alliance between Russia and Iran, calling them "brothers in hatred," and warned that Russia could benefit from the Middle East unrest. He suggested Ukraine's anti-drone technology could be useful in the Middle East. Starmer emphasized that Putin should not benefit from the Iran conflict, whether through oil prices or sanctions relief. The meeting occurred as the US temporarily waived some Russian oil sanctions due to Middle East unrest, raising concerns about Russia's economic gains and potential limitations on Ukraine's access to Western air defense systems.