Ukraine is offering Middle Eastern countries its unique drone defense expertise in exchange for critically needed air defense missiles. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that technology and sustained financial pressure on Russia are the decisive factors at this stage of the full-scale war. He warned that easing energy sanctions directly enables Moscow to fund new military contracts and sustain its offensive operations.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this during an interview with the French publication Le Monde. He noted that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait have already approached Ukraine for assistance. Currently, Ukrainian expert teams are working on the ground to evaluate situations and share invaluable combat experience. The President stated that even systems like Patriot and THAAD cannot provide full protection against dense drone swarms without specialized interceptors.
Cooperation and Resources
Ukraine seeks to secure air defense missiles, which remain in short supply, by offering its own technological solutions. Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine’s defense industry operates at only half capacity due to limited funding. Consequently, the country is ready to export surplus systems alongside technical expertise.
“We need more funding to produce drones for ourselves. Therefore, we are ready to sell the systems we have in surplus to our partners. We do not just sell; we provide our expertise. Interceptor drones do not work without our expertise. It is the system that works,” Zelenskyy emphasized.
Furthermore, he warned partners against easing sanctions on Russia. Moscow continues to earn billions from energy exports, which fund military contracts and support the Iranian regime. Zelenskyy also highlighted a divergence in views between Kyiv and Washington regarding the Kremlin’s willingness to end the war.
“We know that Putin does not want to end the war. We ask for additional pressure to make him want it. However, America believes that he wants it, questioning the need for extra pressure if Russia shows they are ready for peace. There are different views on certain things, and we must work with this,” the President stated.
Russian Losses
The President provided statistics on Russian military losses, which currently reach 30,000–35,000 personnel monthly. In early 2026, the loss ratio in certain sectors reached one Ukrainian soldier for every eight Russian soldiers.
“Historically, the Russians are losing, one hundred percent. They are losing a simply terrible number of people—30-35 thousand people per month. Russia cannot keep up with mobilization, signing contracts, and they certainly do not have time to train their people,” he added.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukraine strikes strategic facilities in Russia’s Leningrad region, including oil terminals and military shipyards.
