Zelensky said Kyiv had deployed several hundred military specialists to the Middle East following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, aiming to share its experience in countering drone threats and safeguarding maritime routes.

“Ukrainian military personnel are taking part in consultations on the further operation of the Strait of Hormuz. Safe navigation is a global value; we know this from our experience defending the Black Sea,” Zelensky said in his evening address.

Ukraine has relied on asymmetric tactics and technological innovations during its war with Russia, including the use of naval drones, to counter attempts to restrict access to the Black Sea, a critical corridor for its economy and military operations.

Zelensky said interest in Ukraine’s defense capabilities is expanding beyond Europe, with diplomats receiving requests from Asian countries seeking cooperation on maritime security and related technologies.He did not identify the countries involved but said officials had been instructed to engage on the requests promptly.

Ukraine’s participation in Hormuz-related discussions reflects growing international focus on securing key maritime chokepoints amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global energy and trade flows.

Ukrainian defence manufacturer Fire Point is developing a new air defence system aimed at intercepting ballistic missiles at a cost below $1 million per strike, positioning it as a lower-cost alternative to existing Western systems, a senior company executive said.

The company, known for producing the Flamingo cruise missile, is in discussions with European firms to launch the system as early as next year, with an initial interception target set for the end of 2027, according to co-founder and chief designer Denys Shtilierman.

The initiative comes as governments expand air defence capabilities amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have driven demand for missile interception systems. Existing platforms such as the U.S.-made Patriot system have faced supply constraints due to extensive deployment, while Europe’s SAMP/T system remains limited in production.

Shtilierman said current interception costs remain high, noting that systems like Patriot developed by Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin often require multiple missiles per target, each costing several million dollars.

Fire Point’s objective is to significantly reduce these costs through technological adaptation and battlefield experience gained during the war with Russia.Ukraine’s defence sector has expanded rapidly since Russia’s 2022 invasion, with domestic companies leveraging operational experience to develop cost-efficient systems.

Fire Point has emerged as a leading producer of long-range drones used in strikes deep inside Russian territory and is now extending its capabilities into missile and air defence technologies.The company is also advancing development of ballistic missile systems.

Shtilierman said its FP-7 missile, with a range of about 300 kilometres, is nearing initial deployment, while a larger FP-9 missile capable of reaching up to 850 kilometres is entering testing. The latter could potentially place Moscow within operational range.

Missile analyst Fabian Hoffmann of the Norwegian Defence University College said that wider deployment of such systems could strain Russian air defences, although he noted that the timeline for a new interception system by 2027 remained ambitious.

Fire Point is simultaneously seeking regulatory approval for a proposed $760 million investment by a Middle Eastern conglomerate, which would value the company at approximately $2.5 billion. Ukrainian authorities are expected to decide on the deal by October, as all defence-related investments remain subject to government oversight during wartime.

Ukrainian media have identified the prospective investor as Edge Group, although neither the company nor regulators have publicly confirmed the transaction. Shtilierman said the investment could enable expansion into satellite launch capabilities, including plans for a low-orbit satellite network supported by a potential launch facility in the United Arab Emirates.

He said the company has already developed technology for solid rocket boosters and is in preliminary agreements with Western partners, although the project remains at an early stage.Fire Point is also seeking approval to export its drone systems to Gulf countries, where demand has risen amid heightened regional tensions.

The company said it has the capacity to produce up to 2,500 long-range drones per month, with each unit costing around 50,000 euros.

Production of its Flamingo missiles, currently limited to three units per cycle at a cost of about 600,000 euros each, is expected to increase once a new in-house engine enters mass production and a rocket fuel plant in Denmark becomes operational later this year.

Shtilierman said export of missile systems remains more restricted due to regulatory barriers, though interest from international buyers continues to grow as countries seek cost-effective defence solutions.

The Kremlin emphasized that its defense strategies and technological advancements are guided by a commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty, maintaining global stability, and ensuring security through preparedness and innovation.

During a media briefing in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov underlined that Russia’s military and scientific initiatives are not intended to provoke or escalate tensions with any nation.

Instead, they reflect the country’s ongoing efforts to maintain a secure and balanced defense posture in a rapidly changing world.

Peskov reiterated that the testing of the Burevestnik missile was part of Russia’s broader strategy to strengthen deterrence capabilities and ensure the safety of its citizens in an evolving global security landscape.

He noted that such advancements are conducted transparently and within the framework of international norms. Russia’s approach, he explained, is based on a principle of responsible defense development—where the focus lies on stability, peace, and readiness rather than confrontation.

The Kremlin spokesperson emphasized that Russia remains open to dialogue with all nations, including the United States, on matters of arms control, nuclear safety, and strategic cooperation.

Observers see Moscow’s statement as a sign of balance between firmness and diplomacy. While Russia continues to protect its strategic interests, it also expresses willingness to engage constructively with global partners to reduce misunderstanding and promote peace.

The ongoing discussions about global security, arms limitations, and disarmament remain areas where Russia believes transparent communication and mutual respect are vital.

Peskov highlighted that Russia does not seek to undermine international trust but to strengthen it through technological advancement and responsible governance.

The Burevestnik missile test, according to defense analysts, represents a continued pursuit of innovation and scientific excellence within Russia’s defense sector, reflecting the nation’s emphasis on technological self-reliance and modernization.

The test also underscores the government’s ongoing investment in research, safety mechanisms, and oversight to ensure that advancements serve peaceful deterrence purposes.

He further mentioned that Russia’s defense priorities have always been shaped by its historical experiences and the necessity to remain self-sufficient in a world of shifting alliances and evolving security challenges.

The aim, he said, is to achieve long-term stability, peace, and global balance through strong but responsible defense measures.

At the same time, the Kremlin acknowledged the importance of maintaining open channels with Washington and other key partners.

Diplomatic experts in Moscow believe that constructive dialogue, rather than criticism or confrontation, will pave the way toward a more cooperative global environment.

They stress that issues like arms control and conflict resolution require a spirit of partnership and shared responsibility among leading powers.

Russia’s reaffirmation of its sovereign course comes at a time when global security discussions are intensifying. Moscow’s message conveys both confidence in its scientific and military capabilities and a broader call for diplomatic engagement.

The Kremlin’s position reinforces that technological progress in defense should coexist with dialogue, transparency, and peacekeeping efforts.

As nations navigate complex geopolitical realities, Russia continues to emphasize that every sovereign state has the right to protect its national interests, develop its defense systems, and contribute responsibly to international peace and security.

In reaffirming this stance, the Kremlin sends a message not of defiance, but of determination—to act independently while remaining open to collaboration and understanding in the pursuit of a safer and more stable world.