Zelensky proposes to US allies in the Middle East to give Ukraine PAC-3 missiles for the PATRIOT systems in exchange for Ukrainian interceptors of Iranian drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked allies in the Middle East, especially the United States, to provide Ukraine with missiles from the PATRIOT air defense systems in exchange for Ukrainian drone interceptors. This proposal comes in response to Iranian drone attacks, in the context of Russia using Iranian-made Shahed drones against Ukraine. Ukraine is facing a shortage of PAC-3 missiles, necessary to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles, and Zelensky emphasized that this exchange would be fair, considering the high costs of PAC-3 missiles. Additionally, he discussed with leaders from the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to strengthen the protection of the population. Iranian bombings have targeted both military bases and civilian infrastructure in the region, escalating tensions in the Middle East.