On March 14, Ynet reported that Netanyahu sent Ukraine a request to hold negotiations with Zelensky.
According to the publication, the request concerns possible cooperation in air defense. We are probably talking about using the experience of the Ukrainian defense forces in countering Russian drones and producing interceptor drones.
Zelensky said in an interview that Russia helped Iran improve Shahed drones. Now, he said, these drones are also attacking countries in the Middle East.
When asked directly whether Russia was now providing Iran with upgraded Shahed drones or technical know-how in return, Zelensky answered without hesitation: “Yes, I’m sure.”
He said that evidence emerged from the destruction of Shahed in a Middle Eastern country, although he declined to name the country.
Asked what message he would convey to Netanyahu, Zelensky replied: “He has what I need, and I have what he needs. Therefore, I am ready for this dialogue.”
Context
After the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28, the Islamic State responded with ballistic missile attacks and Shahed drone attacks, including on countries in the Middle East where there are American military installations.
After that, Zelensky said that he could send the best Ukrainian specialists to the Middle East if the leaders of the region convince the illegitimate president of the aggressor country, Vladimir Putin, to agree to a month-long truce in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
In an interview with Rai Italia published on March 5, the president also informed that Ukraine is receiving requests from partners in the Middle East, as well as Europe and the United States, to provide expertise in the fight against Iranian Shahed kamikaze drones used against civilian targets. At the same time, Zelensky recalled that the war continues in Ukraine itself and the country has a shortage of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot air defense system.
On March 9, Zelensky reported 11 requests from Iran’s neighboring countries, European states and the United States for support from Ukraine in countering Iranian Shahed drones and other such challenges. There is no evidence that Israel is among these countries.
During an interview with Fox News, Trump, when asked whether Ukraine is helping the United States in the Middle East, responded with an objection, pointing out that American military don't need help.
