Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his country stands ready to assist the United States in countering Iran, pointing to Ukraine’s extensive battlefield experience dealing with Iranian-designed Shahed drones during Russia’s ongoing war.

Speaking in multiple interviews with international outlets, Zelenskyy explained that Ukraine has gained practical knowledge that could be valuable in protecting American forces and allied assets as tensions intensify in the Middle East.

His remarks followed a call by President Donald Trump urging other nations to help safeguard maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil transport, after the U.S. initiated “Operation Epic Fury” targeting Iran.

Iran has since issued warnings toward vessels seeking to navigate the strategic waterway.

“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on March 14.

Despite that appeal, several countries, including Australia, Japan, and Italy, have reportedly opted not to participate in the effort.

In an interview with the New York Post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine responded swiftly when the U.S. began its military action against Iran.

“Whenever it is possible for us to help defending civilians or U.S. nationals, without second thought we sent our teams,” he explained, adding that Ukraine hopes to assist the U.S. military with its experience against Shahed drones.

He added that Ukrainian specialists with expertise in Iranian drone systems have already been deployed to the Middle East.

In a separate message posted on social media, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine should not be seen merely as a recipient of foreign assistance.

“I would like the U.S. not to perceive Ukraine as a country that merely asks for help,” he wrote on X. “That is not the case. Ukraine is defending interests and values.”

“Of course, the U.S. is right when it says it is farther from this war than Europe,” Zelenskyy continued. “That is understandable. But we see U.S. allies in the Middle East, and we see what – and who – threatens them.”

Zelenskyy also proposed a broader partnership, suggesting Ukraine could play a major role in drone production.

“We could build the world’s biggest drone factory,” he suggested. “The United States would provide production and financing. Ukraine would provide the technology and experience.”

“We can use it to defend American soldiers on bases,” the Ukrainian leader offered.

In additional comments to i24NEWS and The Jerusalem Post, Zelenskyy said Ukraine has effectively served as a proving ground for Iran’s drone capabilities.

“Ukraine was kind of an experiment place for these drones in the end,” Zelenskyy told The Jerusalem Post. “You can’t even compare the first class [of] Shahed, what was at the very beginning of the war, and today’s Shahed.”

President Trump, however, brushed aside the proposal from Kyiv.

“We don’t need help,” Trump told NBC News. “The last person we need help from is Zelenskyy.”

{Matzav.com}