Ukraine has dispatched teams of military specialists to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Their objective is to provide assistance in defending against drone attacks originating from Iran. These Iranian retaliatory actions are understood to be in response to significant air strikes conducted by the United States and Israel.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that some of these expert teams are supporting U.S. efforts to safeguard its military presence in Jordan. In a video address, Zelensky highlighted Ukraine’s extensive experience in counter-drone operations, stating the nation possesses “the greatest experience in the world in countering attack drones.” This assertion stems from over four years of sustained Russian aerial assaults on Ukrainian territory.
According to Ukraine’s claims, the United States and twelve other countries across the Middle East and Europe have formally requested assistance in mitigating the threat posed by drones, which have inflicted considerable damage. Official comments from the involved nations have not been forthcoming. Earlier, President Trump indicated his willingness to accept aid from “any country” offering it, including Ukraine.
Zelensky’s address also noted that Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, was en route to the Gulf. He would be accompanied by military, intelligence, and defense officials to finalize what Zelensky termed “concrete agreements.”
“Ukraine has the greatest experience in the world in countering attack drones,” Zelensky reiterated. He emphasized that without this expertise, the Gulf region, the broader Middle East, and partners in both Europe and America would face considerable difficulty in establishing robust protective measures. His message concluded with a clear statement of reciprocity: “We are ready to help those who help us, help Ukraine.”
The air defense systems of several Middle Eastern countries have encountered difficulties in intercepting incoming Iranian drones. These nations have reportedly expended costly missiles against relatively inexpensive Shahed unmanned aerial vehicles. Ukraine, in contrast, utilizes its cost-effective, mass-produced interceptor drones to maintain a degree of aerial security, and is now offering both its weaponry and its operational know-how to Gulf states.
This initiative, however, carries political complexities. Questions have arisen within Ukraine regarding the deployment of its drones to the Gulf when they are urgently needed domestically. Zelensky has consistently underscored the necessity for Ukraine to receive tangible benefits in return for any assistance provided.
He stated, “Those now seeking Ukraine’s help must continue to assist our own defence – first and foremost, our air defence.” This support, he clarified, primarily involves the provision of more Patriot and similar air defense systems. These are crucial for Ukraine not only to intercept Russian attack drones but also to counter their faster, more challenging-to-defend-against missiles.
Beyond financial gains for its strained budgets derived from the sale of interceptor drones, Ukraine also aims to cultivate stronger relationships and alliances within the Gulf. Many Gulf nations have until now sought to remain neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The shift in dynamics, where Western allies are now seeking Ukraine’s assistance, has not gone unnoticed in Kyiv.
Despite this development, certain Ukrainian figures express concern that Zelensky might be overstretching his Western partners or overstating his country’s drone capabilities. This apprehension was amplified when the presidential office confirmed a prior offer of a drone deal to the United States a year ago, which was subsequently declined.
In an interview with Irish blogger Caolan Robertson, Zelensky conveyed a positive sentiment regarding the numerous requests for Ukrainian assistance. “The Americans asked us and, of course, I’m very proud that we can help American partners,” he remarked. When questioned about having strategic leverage, Zelensky responded, “We held them like a good player. You can have good cards, but it’s important not to show everyone that you have them. I think we had them a year ago, too, but we didn’t show them. Now, however, everyone understands that they are there.”
This statement appears to reference Donald Trump’s consistent assertions that Kyiv lacked bargaining power in negotiations with Moscow and Washington, suggesting Ukraine should make concessions to end the war. Trump has indeed been involved in mediation efforts, though his proposals have been perceived as favoring Russia.
A significant impediment to peace negotiations has been the demand for Kyiv to cede control of areas in the Donbas to Russia, a region encompassing the administrative territories of Donetsk and Luhansk. Russia currently holds over 80% of these areas, a claim Ukraine vehemently rejects.
Since assuming office over a year ago, Trump has also reduced U.S. aid to Ukraine, criticizing his predecessor’s allocation of taxpayer funds. Consequently, critical U.S. military hardware, including Patriot missiles, is now being purchased by Ukraine’s European allies before being transferred to Kyiv. However, the supply chain for this equipment has been inconsistent and insufficient.