During a press conference in Bucharest, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that the first Shahed drones deployed by Russia in their attacks against Ukraine were operated by Iranian personnel. He explained that Russian operators required training and thus the launch of these drones was managed by operators from Iran, the country from which the Shahed UAVs originated. This operation began as early as autumn 2022 when Russia initiated its drone strikes on Ukraine.

Zelenskyy's comments underscore the extent of foreign involvement in the conflict, particularly highlighting how Iran's support for Russia may include not just the supply of drones but also the operational capacity to utilize these weapons effectively. The revelation points to a significant military collaboration between the two countries amid ongoing hostilities and emphasizes the complexity of the conflict in Ukraine.

Additionally, President Zelenskyy mentioned recent plans for Ukrainian security and counter-UAV experts to travel to countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. This indicates Ukraine’s proactive measures to enhance its defense capabilities against drone threats, particularly in light of the challenges presented by the Shahed drones. Also, the ongoing shortage of PAC-3 missiles has prompted urgent discussions on bolstering Ukraine's air defense systems.