Kyiv: Ukraine is seeking financial support and advanced technology from Middle Eastern partners after deploying military specialists to help counter Iranian drone threats in the region.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said three Ukrainian expert teams were sent to assess drone defence systems and demonstrate interception techniques as several countries face growing threats from Iranian drones with the ongoing tensions between Israel, the United States and Iran.
Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine’s involvement is limited to technical assistance. Zelenskyy remarked that, “This is not about being involved in operations. We are not at war with Iran.”
Ukrainian teams deployed across Gulf region
Earlier this week, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian military teams had been dispatched to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and a US military base in Jordan. Their mission is to provide expert evaluations and demonstrate methods used by Ukraine to intercept drones.
Ukraine has gained extensive experience in countering Iranian-made unmanned aerial vehicles during the war with Russia. Moscow has frequently used the Shahed-136, often referred to as suicide drones in attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Over the past four years, Ukraine has developed effective countermeasures, including low-cost drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools and anti-aircraft defence systems.
Kyiv seeking drone cooperation deals
Zelenskyy said Kyiv hopes the technical assistance could lead to long-term drone defence agreements with Gulf countries. The Ukrainian leader also revealed he had proposed a major drone cooperation agreement with the United States worth between $35 billion and $50 billion, but the deal has not yet been finalised.
However, Donald Trump has reportedly stated that Washington does not require Ukraine’s help to counter Iranian drone attacks targeting American assets in the region.
Zelenskyy also warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East could divert US military support away from Ukraine, particularly critical air defence missiles.
Ukraine tightens rules on drone exports
As global demand for Ukrainian drone interception technology grows, Kyiv is planning to tighten export regulations. Zelenskyy said some foreign governments and companies have attempted to bypass the Ukrainian government and negotiate directly with private manufacturers.
According to Zelenskyy, all defence agreements must first pass through official political channels before private companies can enter negotiations. The move aims to strengthen government oversight as Ukraine’s drone defence technology becomes increasingly sought after, expanding global security challenges.
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