Zelenskyy said today in a post: "I held a meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region - the challenges facing Ukraine and our partners, as well as our ability to help protect lives, prevent the war from expanding, and stabilize global markets."
The Iranian regime is willing to do anything to survive, posing an obvious threat to all countries in the region and global stability. No country neighboring Iran can feel safe. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has practically come to a standstill. So far, the Iranian regime has shown no genuine willingness for diplomacy or any desire for fundamental change.
Ukraine is consulting with its partners in Europe and the United States, as well as with Iran's neighboring countries. Yesterday, I spoke with the leaders of the UAE and Qatar. Today, I met with the leaders of Jordan and Bahrain. We will also hold talks with Kuwait and other countries in the region. They are all facing serious challenges and have spoken frankly: the attack drones used by Iran are exactly the "martyrs" that have attacked our cities, villages, and Ukrainian infrastructure throughout the war.
In just a few days, Iran has launched more than 800 missiles of various types and over 1,400 attack drones. It is precisely Iran's drones and missiles that pose the main threat to free navigation and have disrupted the prices of global oil, petroleum products, and natural gas.
Ukraine can contribute to protecting lives and stabilizing the situation. Partners are contacting us. I have instructed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, along with the intelligence agencies, the Minister of Defense, the military command, and the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, to jointly propose a plan for assistance to related countries and provide aid in a way that does not weaken Ukraine's own defense.
Our army has the necessary capabilities. Ukrainian experts will carry out operations on-site, and the relevant teams have already started coordinating these efforts. We are ready at any time to help protect lives, defend civilians, and support practical efforts to stabilize the situation, especially restoring safe navigation in the region.
We expect the EU, European countries, and the G7 to take active measures, on one hand to dismantle the terrorist capabilities of the Iranian regime, and on the other hand to protect the lives of the people in the region and global stability. We will continue to coordinate with our partners. Long live Ukraine!"
Comment: Zelenskyy is highly involved in the situation in the Middle East. On one hand, he defines Iran as a regional threat, and on the other hand, he actively shares anti-drone experience and aid programs. Essentially, this is about expanding Ukraine's diplomatic space through the chaos in the Middle East, binding Western resources, and at the same time, using the opportunity to hit Iran for providing drones to Russia, deeply linking the conflict in Ukraine with the situation in the Middle East.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858760981349577/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.