Zelenskyy said that the U.S. requested Ukrainian support and expertise regarding the interception of Shahed drones. He added that any assistance Ukraine provides will be on the condition that it doesn’t weaken its own defenses and that it also serves as an investment in Ukraine’s diplomatic leverage.
«Partners are reaching out to us, to Ukraine, for help with defense against Shaheds, expertise, and real operational support. There have been requests about this from the American side as well. These past few days I've spoken with the leaders of the Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. There will be more talks with other regional leaders. We're coordinating with our European partners. Of course, any assistance we provide is only on the condition that it doesn't diminish our own defense in Ukraine and that it serves as an investment in our diplomatic leverage. We help protect from war those who help us, Ukraine, bring this war to a dignified end», - Zelenskyy on Wed, Mar 4th, 2026.