Zelenskyy calls on Europe to increase air defense production against backdrop of events in Middle East

The events in the Middle East have clearly demonstrated how difficult it is to ensure absolute protection of the sky, even for countries with advanced air defense technologies. Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this in his address.

It is noted that the states of the region, which have a significantly larger number of systems than those currently provided to Ukraine, still could not intercept all air targets.

"The situation in the Middle East shows how difficult it is to provide 100% protection from missiles and Shaheds, even in the Gulf countries, which have better air defense systems than our partners have provided us so far, have a larger number of systems, but still do not shoot down all ballistics. There are also Shaheds that the air defense in the region did not stop," the President said.

According to the head of state, this experience is a critically important signal for all of Europe about the need to immediately expand its own production of anti-missile and anti-drone defense. Ukraine, having a unique combat experience, is ready to share it with the peoples who supported our country during the war. At the same time, Zelenskyy stressed that the Iranian regime, which for years has supplied russia with technologies for the murder of Ukrainians, has itself determined the world's attitude towards itself through violence against its own people and inciting wars. The President emphasized that only real strength and the ability to defend against any type of attack can guarantee the security of the continent.

Recall, on February 28, US President Donald Trump made an official statement in which he confirmed the start of a large-scale military operation against Iran.

Meanwhile, the IDF announced the elimination of 40 key Iranian military commanders and all high-ranking leaders of the "Iranian axis of terror."