Ukraine has built a fast, low-cost defensive shield to stop Russian attacks with Iranian-designed Shahed drones. While waiting for enemy drones, crews tests and fine-tunes interceptor drones, searching for flaws that could undermine their performance once the buzzing Russian threat appears. When Shahed drones first were used in Ukraine in autumn 2022, the country had few ways to stop them. Today, drone crews intercept them in flight. Drones have not only reshaped the 4-year-old Russian invasion but also modern warfare itself, turning Ukraine into a testing ground for new defenses. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the innovations have drawn interest from other countries, including the Gulf states.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukrainian officials are helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter attacks on their territory by Iranian drones. He also says that the United States and European countries are among others who have requested support. Ukraine is also looking into whether it can have a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, according to Zelenskyy. Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading producers of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors that play a key part in its defense against Russia’s more than 4-year-old full-scale invasion.
With U.S.-brokered Ukraine peace talks on hold due to the war in the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to try to expand his military gains via new offensives against his southern neighbor that will put even more pressure on Kyiv. Windfall revenues from surging global oil prices are filling Moscow’s war coffers and U.S. air defense assets are being drained quickly by Iranian attacks across the Gulf, leaving little available for Ukraine in the fifth year of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine’s European allies have promised to maintain their steadfast support, but bickering over a major 90 billion euro ($106 billion) European Union loan to cover Kyiv’s military and economic needs for two years has reflected the mounting challenges.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking support from U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in his country's fight against Russia's invasion. The talks between the two leaders in London on Tuesday comes as the Iran war revives Russia’s ailing economy through increased oil revenue, robs U.S.-brokered talks on ending Russia’s invasion of Ukraine of momentum, and could soon limit Kyiv’s access to vital Western air defense systems that are needed in the Middle East. Starmer says, “We can’t lose focus on what’s going on in Ukraine and the need for our support.” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was also expected to attend the talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is ready for the next trilateral peace talks with the U.S. and Russia, but the meeting depends on Washington and Moscow. He says the U.S. offered to host talks, but Russia refused to send a delegation. Zelenskyy warned the new conflict in the Middle East, which led to the postponement of the talks, could drain air defense supplies Ukraine needs. He says he is discussing alternatives to Patriot missile systems with France. He has also disputed President Donald Trump’s claim that the U.S. does not need Ukrainian drone technology.
AP Wire
A Russian missile and drone strike has hit the Kyiv region in Ukraine and killed at least four people. The regional administration head said at least 15 people were wounded. He said on Saturday that the attack hit four districts and damaged homes, schools, businesses and critical infrastructure. Russia’s Defense Ministry said the strikes targeted energy and industrial facilities linked to the Ukrainian military. Ukrainian drones meanwhile hit an oil refinery and port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region. The U.S. has postponed planned peace talks this week, citing the war in the Middle East, and announced a 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A combined missile and drone attack on the Kyiv region hit four districts and damaged homes, schools, businesses and crit…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the U.S. 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions amid the Iran war is “not the right decision” and won’t help bring a stop to Russia’s more than 4-year-old invasion of Ukraine. He said Friday the easing of oil sanctions could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war. He says that “certainly does not help peace.” He said at a news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Paris that Russia spends the money from energy sales on weapons, which are used against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is awaiting White House approval for a major drone production agreement proposed by Kyiv last year. Speaking on Thursday, Zelenskyy said the deal would cover various types of drones and air defenses to protect against swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones. Countries are scrambling to modernize their air defenses after the Iran war exposed shortcomings. Russia has fired tens of thousands of Shaheds at Ukraine since it invaded its neighbor just over four years ago. Iran has responded to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes by firing the same type of drones at targets in the Middle East.
Governments are working on plans to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil choke point. The Iran war has effectively closed the waterway and pushed up gasoline prices. French President Emmanuel Macron is leading an international effort to reopen the waterway “when circumstances permit.” Retired naval officers say that using warships to escort tankers would make no sense during active combat. They say ships have little room in the waterway to evade attacks. Navies have recent escort experience in the Red Sea against Houthi drones and missiles. Experts say Hormuz poses far higher risks. Iran has missiles, drones, fast boats and naval mines. Insurers also drive decisions. Premiums for ships wanting to use the strait have surged.