Zelenskyy highlights Ukraine’s role in Middle East security, global energy stability VIDEO

At the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Leaders’ Summit in Helsinki, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for deeper defence cooperation across Europe, arguing that Ukraine’s security role extends beyond the continent and contributes directly to global stability.

“Ukraine’s contribution to security in the Middle East and the Gulf will also be a real contribution to global security. This matters because energy security – and the cost of living, particularly in Europe – depends on their oil, gas and other resources, and stable global markets," Zelenskyy said in a statement shared on X, Caliber.Az reports. 

Addressing leaders of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, Zelenskyy stressed the need to strengthen Europe’s collective defence capabilities, particularly in air defence and missile production. He urged closer coordination between Ukraine, JEF member states and other European nations.

“In Europe, we must have full capacity to produce all types of air defence systems and missiles for them. This includes protection against drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats,” he said. “We cannot rely on other partners’ industries. We must be confident in our own industry here in Europe.”

Zelenskyy underlined Ukraine’s battlefield experience, especially in the use of drones and integrated air defence systems, as a key asset for European security cooperation.

“The key is not only producing new weapons – especially drones – not just technology, but also real experience in using it, and integrating it with radars, aviation, and other air defence systems,” he said. “We have this experience. Together, we have a strong industrial base. You have financial capacity. Let’s bring all of this together even more.”

The Ukrainian president welcomed Kyiv’s enhanced partnership status within the JEF framework, granted in Oslo, saying it opens the door to practical cooperation, including participation in the TARASSIS exercise. He reiterated Ukraine’s ambition to become a full member of the coalition.

“Our goal is simple and clear – Ukraine is ready to become a full-fledged member of the JEF,” Zelenskyy said.

While calling for long-term industrial expansion, he also appealed for immediate support as Ukraine continues to face daily missile and drone attacks from Russia.

“And while we are building this capacity, please remember that we need protection from Russian missiles every single day,” he said, expressing gratitude to countries supporting Ukraine through the PURL programme, which he described as “critically important.”

Against the backdrop of efforts to reinforce Ukraine’s defence capabilities in Europe, Zelenskyy has also intensified diplomatic outreach beyond the region. The Ukrainian president has arrived in Saudi Arabia, where he is holding meetings focused on strengthening international security cooperation.

According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is ready to combine its combat experience and industrial capacity with the financial and technological resources of its partners to build a stronger and more secure JEF community.

By Sabina Mammadli