- Category
- Latest news
Ukraine Seeks Mutual Support From the Middle East While Assisting on Drone Defense
- Authors
![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Ukraine is seeking reciprocal support from Middle Eastern countries as Kyiv expands cooperation in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said during a briefing on March 18, according to NV.
Tykhyi stated Ukraine expects support in four key areas: strengthening political backing, maintaining sanctions pressure on Russia and Iran, expanding cooperation in security and defense, and participating in Ukraine’s reconstruction and investment projects.
We bring you stories from the ground. Your support keeps our team in the field.
“Protecting the sky and civilian infrastructure is a shared challenge, and Ukraine advocates for mutually beneficial partnership in this area,” he said.
According to NV, Tykhyi added that 201 Ukrainian military experts are currently assisting Middle Eastern countries in countering drone threats. Ukrainian specialists are working in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait at the request of partners, including the US.
He added that an additional 34 Ukrainian experts are ready to be deployed, while further expert teams are already operating and high-level contacts continue, including visits by Ukraine’s security and defense leadership.
The announcement builds on earlier statements from Kyiv about sending specialists abroad to counter drone threats. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine may send anti-drone defense experts to assist partners in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, while also proposing a joint drone production initiative with the United States.
Speaking after a ceremony marking the Day of Ukrainian Volunteers, Zelenskyy said several countries had requested Ukraine’s expertise in countering drone threats, according to a UNITED24 Media correspondent.
He emphasized that Kyiv has no plans to send combat troops to the region.
“Ukraine has no plans to put boots on the ground in Iran. The only Ukrainian personnel going there would be experts in anti-drone defense,” Zelenskyy said. “These specialists can help our strategic partners defend their territory against Shahed drone attacks.”
Ukraine’s expanding role in countering drone threats is drawing growing interest from Western and Gulf partners seeking access to its technology. The Pentagon and at least one Gulf country are in talks to acquire Ukrainian-made interceptor systems designed to counter Iranian drones.
Gulf states have previously relied on costly Patriot missiles to defend against waves of Iranian Shahed drones following the escalation between the US, Israel, and Iran.
With interceptor stockpiles running low, they are now looking to Ukraine’s experience in developing cheaper and more scalable defenses against mass drone attacks similar to those used by Russia.
-7f54d6f9a1e9b10de9b3e7ee663a18d9.png)
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
-c439b7bd9030ecf9d5a4287dc361ba31.jpg "Photo of Katherina Popilnichenko")
