Address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
In an address delivered on March 7, 2026—the 1,473rd day of the war—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed grave concern over Russia's assistance to Iran in a conflict targeting the United States and Arab states. He pointed to escalating Middle East tensions, noting that the United Arab Emirates has declared a state of war following an Iranian air strike on Dubai International Airport.
Zelenskyy stressed that intelligence indicates Russian aid to the Iranian regime, including the sharing of reconnaissance data used to guide strikes against American forces in the region. He also highlighted the presence of Russian components in Iranian 'Shahed' drones deployed across the Middle East, warning that this cooperation threatens not only the U.S. but also Arab nations. This warning comes as Ukraine continues to face its own direct threat from Russia, drawing a clear link between aggression in Europe and the Middle East.
“Each such instance proves we are dealing with regimes that are not merely connected, but exist because of one another—the Russian and Iranian regimes—and they kill in a virtually coordinated manner, both here in Europe and there in the Middle East,” he emphasized.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also issued a statement on March 7, underlining the importance of action during this critical period. In turn, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed, confirmed his country is now in a state of war.
Zelenskyy added that lives in Europe and the Middle East deserve equally effective protection and called for joint, coordinated action to counter the threats posed by the Russian and Iranian regimes.
“Life requires protection—joint, strong, coordinated action,” he stated, underscoring that Ukraine is working to strengthen its own defense capabilities and counts on appropriate assistance.
International Cooperation in Countering Threats
President Zelenskyy's statement reflects the severity of the situation in the Middle East and highlights the critical need for international cooperation to confront emerging threats. The collaboration between Russia and Iran could have far-reaching consequences not only for the region but for global security, making calls for coordinated action and enhanced defense readiness particularly urgent.
In this context, it is vital for the international community to respond to these challenges and work to ensure global stability.