Ukraine Offers Drone Defense Expertise to Middle Eastern Nations
Ukraine's Support for Middle Eastern Defense Against Iranian Drones
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed that Ukraine is prepared to provide financial and technological assistance to West Asian countries in their efforts to defend against Iranian kamikaze drones. During a press briefing on Sunday, Zelenskyy explained that each of the three teams dispatched to the Middle East comprises numerous experts who will evaluate the situation and demonstrate effective drone defense strategies. This announcement follows Ukraine's deployment of specialists to four nations in the region. "Our involvement is not about engaging in military operations; we are not at war with Iran," Zelenskyy clarified. "Our focus is on providing protection and a comprehensive assessment of how to counter the Shahed drones," he noted, referring to the Iranian-developed drones.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the specifics of what Ukraine expects in return for its assistance, including technology and funding, are still under negotiation. Gulf nations have invested heavily in air-defense systems to combat Iranian drone threats and have sought Ukraine's expertise in neutralizing these aerial attacks. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to intercept Russian drones nightly using a variety of weaponry, including smaller, more affordable drones and jamming technology. Zelenskyy mentioned that nearly a dozen countries worldwide have reached out to Ukraine for guidance on countering drone assaults. So far, Ukrainian teams have been sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, with reports of specialists also visiting a US military facility in Jordan.
Leveraging Ukraine's Experience Against Shahed Drones
Earlier, Zelenskyy took to the social media platform X to announce that he has directed Ukraine’s foreign affairs minister, defense minister, intelligence agencies, and the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council to explore options for assisting these nations while ensuring that Ukraine's own defense capabilities remain intact. "All these countries are facing significant challenges and are candid about it: the Iranian attack drones, the same 'Shaheds' that have targeted our cities, villages, and infrastructure throughout this conflict," he remarked.
Heightened tensions persist in West Asia following the recent death of Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in coordinated military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28.