- March 11, 2026
- 11:25 pm
- Brief news
On March 11, 2026, in a major interview with Irish journalist Caolan Robertson, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined threats that, according to him, already extend far beyond the war in Ukraine. He spoke about the cooperation between Russia and Iran in the field of military technologies, the strengthening of the Kremlin’s global information operations, and the possible escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
For the Israeli audience, these statements have special significance. Zelensky directly linked Russian drone technologies with conflicts in the region, where the interests of Iran, the USA, and their allies clash today.
In the interview, the President of Ukraine also touched on the topic of the West’s readiness for a possible major conflict, the role of Russian propaganda, and political processes in Europe.
Russian technologies and Moscow’s influence in the Middle East
According to Zelensky, Ukrainian intelligence records the presence of Russian components in Shahed-type strike drones. These drones are used not only in the war against Ukraine but also in conflicts in the Middle East.
The President claims that initially, Russia actively purchased Iranian drones, but now the cooperation has become bilateral — Moscow transfers technologies and components.
Drones, missiles, and possible military cooperation
Zelensky stated that Iran is already using similar technologies for attacks in the region, including strikes on military facilities and American bases.
He also allowed for a more serious scenario: Russia may strengthen military assistance to Tehran, including the supply of missile technologies and air defense systems.
Moreover, the President of Ukraine did not rule out that Moscow might send a military contingent to Iran. In the interview, he drew a parallel with the participation of North Korean military personnel on the side of Russia.
Such an escalation, according to him, could change the balance of power in the Middle East and directly affect Israel’s security.
Risk of global war and the West’s readiness
Answering a question about the possibility of a world war, Zelensky stated that right now there is one of the most serious risks of a global conflict.
According to him, if the escalation in the Middle East is not stopped, it could turn into a prolonged military confrontation between major powers.
Zelensky emphasized that the war of the 21st century is not only about missiles and drones. It could involve large-scale ground operations, for which many Western armies, in his opinion, are not yet ready.
Technologies are there, experience is less
The President of Ukraine noted that NATO countries have a significant technological advantage in aviation and naval forces. However, the experience of modern large-scale ground warfare today is primarily held by Ukraine.
Zelensky also reported that the USA has approached Kyiv for consultations on military technologies and combat experience.
According to him, this indicates that the Ukrainian army has become one of the most experienced military institutions of modern times over the years of war.
Against this background, analysts note, the international community increasingly considers Ukraine an important security factor in Europe and beyond.
In the context of discussing global security and the threat of the spread of military technologies, the editorial team of NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency notes that the cooperation between Russia and Iran in the field of armaments is becoming one of the key factors influencing the situation in the Middle East.
Kremlin disinformation and influence through sports and culture
Zelensky separately focused on the information war that, according to him, Russia is waging worldwide.
It is not only about media and social networks. The Kremlin actively uses cultural and sports platforms to demonstrate the absence of international isolation.
Sports as a tool of political influence
The President gave the example of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych. The athlete was disqualified for a helmet with images of deceased Ukrainians.
Zelensky called the reaction of the sports committee strange and emphasized that such cases show how sensitive the topic of Russian aggression remains even in international sports.
According to him, for Moscow, the victories of athletes and participation under the national flag are elements of political strategy.
Such practice, the President noted, has existed since the times of the Soviet Union, when sports were actively used as a tool of propaganda.
Politics in Europe and Orban’s rhetoric
Zelensky also commented on political processes in Europe, particularly the pre-election rhetoric of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
According to the President of Ukraine, the Hungarian leader builds his campaign on criticism of Ukraine and the European Union.
Zelensky noted that such rhetoric is aimed at the domestic audience and does not reflect the attitude of Hungarian society as a whole.
He emphasized that political disagreements do not change the fundamental ties between the peoples of Europe.
How, according to Zelensky, the Russian dictatorship will end
Speaking about the future of Russia, Zelensky stated that any dictatorship ends sooner or later.
The President drew a historical parallel with other authoritarian regimes of the 20th century and noted that Russian propaganda cannot change the outcome of the war.
According to him, the Kremlin’s attempts to influence world public opinion through culture, cinema, or international events will not be able to hide the real consequences of the war.
Zelensky is confident that the outcome of the conflict will be determined not by information campaigns, but by real events on the battlefield and political decisions of the international community.