Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expanding Kyiv’s security outreach beyond Europe, signaling a new phase in Ukraine’s global diplomacy and defense strategy. As tensions surrounding Iran’s missile and drone capabilities intensify, Ukraine says it is ready to share hard-earned battlefield expertise with partners in the Middle East. Zelenskyy revealed that Ukrainian military specialists could be deployed to assist countries facing growing threats from Iranian drone and missile systems. The proposal follows increasing concern across the Gulf over the spread of Iranian-made strike drones, particularly the Shahed systems that have repeatedly targeted Ukrainian cities and infrastructure during Russia’s war against Ukraine. WATCH

Hungary and Slovakia have blocked a new round of EU sanctions against Russia, citing disputes over the Druzhba pipeline and energy security. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas expressed deep regret over the failed sanctions agreement, signaling challenges in maintaining a unified European response. Despite these diplomatic setbacks, the EU continues to work on a new sanctions package targeting Russia, as Moscow’s war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, outlasting the entire Eastern Front of the Second World War. WATCH