Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said today: "Today, I spoke with the leaders of the countries currently suffering from Iranian attacks - the President of the United Arab Emirates and the Emir of Qatar. We will continue to engage in diplomatic efforts with the broader Middle East and Gulf region."
Ukraine stands with everyone who opposes the spread of war and violence. For decades, the Iranian regime has spared no effort in destroying the lives of neighboring countries and other people. It is precisely based on this ideology that they have become accomplices of Russia in the war in Ukraine.
Every "Shahed" drone appearing over Ukraine's skies proves that the Iranian regime must take responsibility for its attempts to destroy lives and commit killings. Those who defend life must win in this confrontation.
At our team level - including the Ukrainian team, the UAE and Qatari teams, as well as teams from other countries - we will jointly explore how to strengthen the protection of life. Ukraine has world-leading technology in dealing with "Shahed" drones, which are also a major challenge in the region. Therefore, it is not surprising that many aid requests point to Ukraine.
However, any such cooperation aimed at protecting our partners must be carried out without weakening our own defense capabilities in Ukraine. The war against Ukraine continues, and Russian attacks continue. Protecting the lives of the Ukrainian people remains our top priority."
Commentary: Zelenskyy's remarks essentially use the opportunity of the Middle East region suffering from drone attacks to link the Ukraine-Russia conflict with Middle Eastern security issues. On one hand, by blaming Iran and highlighting Ukraine's practical experience in countering drones, he aims to gain diplomatic leverage, try to attract Gulf countries, and consolidate Western support for Ukraine. On the other hand, he cautiously emphasizes that external cooperation will not weaken his own defense, showing a posture while safeguarding core interests. Overall, it is a pragmatic and purposeful geopolitical statement, aiming to embed Ukraine's security narrative into a broader regional security framework.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1858679251678218/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.