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News & Current Events Apr 10, 2026 at 5:29 PM

Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces shot down Shahed drones in Middle Eastern countries during Iran war

Posted by the-es

Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces shot down Shahed drones in Middle Eastern countries during Iran war
AP News
Zelenskyy says Ukrainian forces shot down Shahed drones in Middle Eastern countries during Iran war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukrainian military personnel shot down Iranian-designed Shahed drones in multiple Middle Eastern countries during the Iran war, describing the operations as part of a broader effort to help partners counter the same weapons used by Russia in Ukraine.
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Jrecondite Apr 10, 2026 +362
My initial reaction is how does he have anything extra to give. Reading the article it was a calculated trade.  > In exchange, Ukraine is receiving weapons to protect its energy infrastructure, along with oil, diesel and, in some cases, financial arrangements, he said.
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Darth_drizzt_42 Apr 10, 2026 +116
The gulf states have, for all intents and purposes, infinite money. Ukraine can only take IOU's so far. Hard cash buys a LOT of needed hardware
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Drone314 Apr 10, 2026 +246
100% transactional, the Gulf States hired the best drone hunters in the world.
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JulietteKatze Apr 11, 2026 +44
They finally used the money for something useful instead of attempting to build a shitty 3D render of a building some scammer presented to an idiot emir or prince.
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badpersian Apr 11, 2026 -19
I mean without trying to diminish their efforts, but they still have a lot to do in improving their ability to take down those in their own country. It's not like they can afford to spend the time and resource/intelligence share/ improve techs for other nations.
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fimnjc Apr 11, 2026 +13
How much will the gulf states pay for Ukraine to boost their defenses? Being that russia and the ircg are aligned it seems like a win-win scenario for all involved.
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arielsosa Apr 11, 2026 +12
Wrong. The things they have learnt during their war against Russia can benefit everyone else. No other nation has the level of hands-on experience, both technical and tactical, as Ukraine does. Even USA and NATO commanders have said as much. Their Inability to prevent/intercept more Russian drones has less to eo with efficacy and more to so with quantity. They can't have a high/unlimited number of anti-air/drone defences everywhere, and they can't know where Russia is going to hit next, given that Russia has no qualms in attacking any kind if civilian infrastructure even if it has little strategic value.
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cruisin_urchin87 Apr 10, 2026 +58
I would hire the Ukrainian government to defend against Shahed drones before anyone else.
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whatproblems Apr 11, 2026 +60
trump ranting about nato while ukraine is actively doing stuff in ME
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the-es Apr 11, 2026 +37
Look buddy, trump's boss gave him talking points and he needs to stick to them. Ukraine? Bad NATO? Bad Removing sanctions on russian oil? Good
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kaisadilla_ Apr 12, 2026 +6
Trump rants because Zelenskiy is everything Trump and Kegsbreath LARP to be.
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bappestinian Apr 10, 2026 +90
He turned a bad situation into an opportunity, he’s pretty good.
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johnis12 Apr 11, 2026 +49
As an American... Man... I'm so jealous that Ukraine has such a powerful and thoughtful leader... :T
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Pale-Acanthaceae-736 Apr 10, 2026 +14
After what he's experienced as president I sincerely doubt he would want to do comedy ever again.
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TazBaz Apr 11, 2026 +11
Oh I bet he will. Great way to process all the bullshit.
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Pale-Acanthaceae-736 Apr 11, 2026 +5
That would be great if he did.
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Tyranicross Apr 11, 2026 +3
He'd have some pretty good material to work with though
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RainyDayColor Apr 10, 2026 +157
This guy is a brilliant strategist, building all the right bridges for the long haul.
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National_Spirit2801 Apr 10, 2026 +166
As an American, Ukraine is supremely fortunate to have a strong leader rather than an incompetent orange a******.
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Linc_Sylvester Apr 10, 2026 +28
Dump would 200% take a ride out and not ask for ammo.
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kaisadilla_ Apr 12, 2026 +4
tbh that's only because, when they had a Russian-controlled a****** as a leader, they went to the streets until that a****** fled the country.
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bikesnotbombs Apr 11, 2026 -5
Idk .. if you aren't wearing a tie or suit can you even lead?  How will people even know how to follow?
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Extension-Toe-7027 Apr 10, 2026 +9
I concur
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[deleted] Apr 10, 2026
[deleted]
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clauderbaugh Apr 10, 2026 +63
This guy is going to end up with a statue at some point.
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bard91R Apr 10, 2026 +43
I'm sure there will be controversial things in his legacy, and that his decisions have not been perfect, but the way this man held his country together against a reckless onslaught from Russia and leading it to a stalemate is an outstanding achievement. I don't care what anybody says, Zelensky is one of the greatest heroes of our times to my eyes.
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BagNo2988 Apr 11, 2026 +11
Literally making history. Wonder if the generations to come would see him like how we see Churchill or McArthur
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Coyote65 Apr 11, 2026 +15
Hopefully not as problematic in the aggregate of his life. Churchill and McArthur carry some baggage.
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scarecrow2596 Apr 11, 2026 +9
I mean, so does Zelenskyy. Before the war started most Ukrainians disliked him and he was part of many corruption scandals.
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Tyranicross Apr 11, 2026 +1
Corruption is nothing to a war hero, Ulysses S Grant had one of the most corrupt administration's of all time but the most criticized part of his legacy is his drinking. Doesn't compare to "i stubbed my toe drop a nuke" McArthur and "im such an imperialist even my own citizens voted me out right after the war I won" Churchill.
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rrRunkgullet Apr 10, 2026 +8
That's the least "we" can do as a thanks. Statue and a large monthly state pension. In reality I think the end of Zds career is going to be ugly, just an intuition I can't spell out in words.
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Early-Sort8817 Apr 11, 2026 +2
I’m sure Trump and Vance will reward them
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Positive_Chip6198 Apr 11, 2026 +3
He has all the cards, unlike the guy who is crying about nato not fixing his mess.
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KeepCalmCarryOnKY Apr 10, 2026 +5
Ukrainians are badasses.
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Rabbit-Hole-Quest Apr 11, 2026 -14
Depends, were they shooting down Shaheds for Israel, or where they doing it for the GCC countries. If they were doing it for Israel, that is working for the guys who started this unnecessary war. Israel is also the place where many Russian oligarchs linked with Putin ran off to when the war with Ukraine started. If they were doing it for GCC states, it’s a defensive so understandable and the same GCC states helped in getting many Ukrainian POWs and have helped with financial support.
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[deleted] Apr 10, 2026 -17
[removed]
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Hiyouuuu Apr 10, 2026 +39
You do know that Iran is a supporter of Russia, and that Iranian shahed drones have killed lots of people in Ukraine?
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the-es Apr 10, 2026 +37
I think it's a bit different. Ukraine is providing defense capabilities in a conflict with a Iran. Considering Iran has been supplying offensive drones for russia to attack Ukrainian civilians for years, the action makes total sense. Additionally, this helps improve Ukraine's position given trumps desire to cut support for Ukraine. 
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Thespaceman007 Apr 10, 2026 +21
What? You want Ukraine to bend over and support Iran, the direct ally of Russia who is actively invading them? Delusional.
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wewladendmylife Apr 10, 2026 -21
No, but diverting resources away from Ukraine isnt the right call either.
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wanderforreason Apr 10, 2026 +13
It absolutely is if it’s getting you more resources for Ukraine. It’s called trading.
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releasetheshutter Apr 10, 2026 -9
Love my tax dollars somehow funding this bullshit.
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Inside-Yak-8815 Apr 10, 2026 +5
You get what you vote for.
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solitarium Apr 11, 2026 +1
It’s the same war in a different front. Iran has been selling Russia drones for a while now. The fewer they have to use against the US and Israel, the fewer they have to sell Russia. All this while Ukraine builds themselves as a valuable country to partner with? All wins all around.
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wewladendmylife Apr 11, 2026
I mean any shahed sent to Israel aren't being sold to Russia, which has been buying less and domestically producing more.  It does divert air defenses and spreads manpower out.  The intel sharing and hits on russian wagner forces in Africa made sense, you're hitting Russian economic resources and killing experienced soldiers. Shooting down shaheds for israel doesn't have any immediate benefit to the Ukranian war effort. 
0
Kellar21 Apr 10, 2026 +1
Why not? If the return is going to be better for them?
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moordor Apr 11, 2026 +6
it's funny right? zelensky also fully supports israeli occupation and genocide in palestine. but russian occupation is bad
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slax03 Apr 10, 2026 -1
The conflicts going on right now is not one side versus another. It's a lot more complicated than that.
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RainyDayColor Apr 10, 2026
Which countries in which Ukraine has participated in defensive drone ops are "illegally attacking and invading other countries"? Edit: The source AP article doesn’t reference the Middle East countries receiving Ukraine's defensive technical support to intercept invasive drone attacks. But other credible reporting does (see below). I’m unaware that any of the 5 nations receiving Ukraine’s support "are illegally attacking and invading other countries.” [https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/03/20/ukraine-deploys-units-to-5-middle-east-countries-to-intercept-drones/](https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2026/03/20/ukraine-deploys-units-to-5-middle-east-countries-to-intercept-drones/) *Ukraine deploys units to 5 Middle East countries to intercept drones* *As of March 2026, Ukraine is actively providing drone defense support, expertise, and specialist teams to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Jordan. These nations are receiving assistance to counter Iranian-designed Shahed drones . . .* [https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/28/world/europe/ukraine-air-defense-deal-qatar-saudi-arabia.html](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/28/world/europe/ukraine-air-defense-deal-qatar-saudi-arabia.html) *Ukraine Finalizes Air Defense Deals With Gulf Nations Amid War in Mideast*
0
Fridelis Apr 10, 2026 -25
I agree it does leave a weird taste in my mouth and makes me see Zelensky in a worse light. However, given the situation, it is hard for him and Ukraine, so it is hard to be critical. He does what he has to do for his country, even if it feels hypocritical.
-25
TrueLegateDamar Apr 10, 2026 +19
Hundreds of Ukrainian citizens have been killed and more wounded by Iranian Shahed drones, and Ukraine has killed IRGC personnel who were stationed in Russia or occupied parts of Ukraine helping the Russians construct and guide Shahed drones. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_and_the_Russo-Ukrainian_war_(2022%E2%80%93present)
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Fridelis Apr 10, 2026 -28
I don't need your comments, since I am 100% sure I know way more about the Ukraine war than you do. As I am from a Baltic country, that war has insane relevance to me. So you can go with that shit away. Ukraine is fighting against invaders/killers and fighting a just battle. Iran is in a relatively similar situation, and Ukraine is helping killers, too. It is not just white and black, my man. And none of that changes the fact that Ukraine is being hypocritical here. I don't think what they are doing is right, but I will still support them by continuing to donate money.
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Serious_Try5264 Apr 10, 2026 +20
You obviously do, because what you said was f****** stupid and you should be ashamed. Loser.
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EBBBBBBBBBBBB Apr 10, 2026 -10
unbelievable that you see anything but complete 100% support of everything Ukraine does as supporting Russia, even when that commenter explicitly says they donate to Ukraine, which is more than the vast majority of people do. Ukraine is the victim in the war against Russia, but that doesn't make them saints who can do no wrong - and in this case, they're fighting with another imperialist aggressor's invasion and senseless slaughter
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Serious_Try5264 Apr 10, 2026 +11
Or maybe you are just concern trolling. (You are). Ukraine should work with the enemies of their enemies in a defensive manner. It's much less than what Iran did to them. F****** dishonest loser.
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EBBBBBBBBBBBB Apr 10, 2026 -7
All it does is show that the Ukrainian government is okay with imperialism when it's not happening to them, which is both immoral and stupid, because the US will toss Ukraine aside the second they no longer become useful for fighting their regional enemy. I empathize with the Ukrainian people, they've been led into a prolonged conflict they know they cannot win, and now more of them are being sent to help in the murder of children in another country.
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C-c-c-comboBreaker17 Apr 11, 2026 +4
How dare they help defend against the country that has been supplying bombs to kill their people! What an outrage...
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Kellar21 Apr 10, 2026 +3
Iran is also supplying a lot of weapons that are killing Ukranians.
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00-Monkey Apr 11, 2026 +1
Ukraine is providing anti drone tech to gulf states. Purely defensive tech for countries that have not bombed Iran, even when Iran bombs them. But apparently you’re so hateful that you view defending civilians in a non aggressor country as bad.
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Brotastic29 Apr 12, 2026
Iran is not fighting a “just battle” lmao
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Fridelis Apr 12, 2026 +1
Right, I guess defending yourself is not just. So next time someone attacks you or even tries to kill you, just don't do anything and let them. Big brain time
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Brotastic29 Apr 12, 2026 +1
I would consider Iran to be fighting a just battle if they weren’t so cartoonishly evil Ukraine has their problems, but they are mostly internal. They never really harmed anyone outside their borders, and they are a democracy. Iran on the other hand has been one of the worlds biggest sponsors of terrorism, they have been harming people both inside and outside their borders, and they’re a theocratic dictatorship. I’m not saying Iran had it coming… but I’m not saying they *didn’t* have it coming either
1
RainyDayColor Apr 10, 2026 +2
Trying to follow the discussion but I feel like I've somehow lost the plot. Serious question -- exactly *what* diminishes Zelensky in your eyes, and feels hypocritical to you? What is "it" that you're referencing?
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Kellar21 Apr 10, 2026 -1
Why should he feel bad by going against some of the main suppliers of the weapons used against his people? And he was only working on defense anyway. Jeez, you wanted him to ignore that over some weird sense of morality that isn't even logic.
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1moreanonaccount Apr 11, 2026 -12
Simping for more more $$$. He has kiss the ring to be able to continue defending Ukraine
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fimnjc Apr 11, 2026 +3
What would you do keyboard warrior?
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1moreanonaccount Apr 11, 2026 -2
Kiss the ring and get that money. That’s all you can do
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CamisaMalva Apr 12, 2026 +1
Thank God your sorry ass ain't in charge. lol
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OGLikeablefellow Apr 11, 2026 -13
So Russia and Ukraine are helping Iran? War really does make strange bedfellows
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the-es Apr 11, 2026 +12
No, Ukraine is supplying defenses to shoot down Iranian drones.
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OGLikeablefellow Apr 11, 2026 +6
Ah thanks
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hrbeck1 Apr 12, 2026 -3
Zelensky is a world-class scammer. Right after the Ukraine war started, a bunch of high-end yachts from Ukrainian owners started showing up in European ports.
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RwnE_420 Apr 12, 2026 -1
Ukraine has ultra rich people who moved their assets after their country was invaded, is that really shocking?
-1
hrbeck1 Apr 12, 2026 +2
It’s also the second most corrupt country in the world. Wouldn’t be shocking if they sold off the aid we gave them, no? Timing of buying ultra-expensive yachts immediately after getting foreign aid sounds suspect.
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