Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed that the United States recently sought Ukraine’s assistance in countering Iranian-made drones, drawing on Kyiv’s battlefield experience in dealing with the weapons during Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Speaking in an interview, Zelensky said Ukrainian specialists have gained significant expertise in detecting, intercepting and neutralising the drones, many of which have been used extensively by Russian forces since the start of the invasion. According to him, Washington approached Kyiv to share that knowledge as concerns grow about the spread and use of similar drone technology in other conflicts.
Zelensky noted that Ukrainian forces have spent more than two years adapting their air defence systems and tactics to deal with waves of Iranian-designed drones, particularly the Shahed-type drones that Russia has deployed to strike Ukrainian cities, energy infrastructure and military positions.
“Our military and engineers have learned a lot about how to stop these drones,” Zelensky said. “Partners are interested in this experience.”
He added that cooperation between Ukraine and the United States includes exchanging technical information, defensive strategies and lessons learned from the battlefield.
The Ukrainian leader said the request demonstrates how the war has transformed Ukraine into a country with practical expertise in modern drone warfare, especially in defending against low-cost aerial systems designed to overwhelm traditional air defences.
Iran has repeatedly denied supplying drones to Russia for use in Ukraine, although Kyiv, Washington and several Western governments say there is clear evidence that Iranian-made drones have been used in attacks since 2022.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine remains committed to working with its allies to counter emerging security threats, including the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.
The development comes amid growing global concern over the proliferation of armed drones and the role they are playing in conflicts across different regions. Military analysts say lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield could help shape future defence strategies for countries facing similar threats.
