Overview
- Speaking in Kyiv on March 3, Zelensky proposed that US-aligned Middle Eastern countries supply PAC-3 Patriot missiles in return for Ukrainian drone interceptors, calling it a fair exchange.
- Ukraine says it lacks enough PAC-3 missiles, which it describes as the only munitions in its arsenal capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles targeting cities and key infrastructure.
- Kyiv reports its homegrown interceptor drones have become central to air defense, claiming a 70% shootdown rate against Russian drones over the capital and suburbs in February.
- Arguing from cost, officials note PAC-3 interceptors average about €3.5 million each, whereas Iranian-designed Shahed drones cost only tens of thousands of euros, making Ukrainian interceptors a cheaper counter to mass-drone attacks.
- Zelensky held calls with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and said teams will stay in contact to define joint protection measures; separately, Ukraine presented to the UN allegations that Russia executed at least 337 Ukrainian POWs, a claim not independently verified.