11 countries turn to Ukraine for drone defense, Kyiv wants 4 things in return
Photo: Ukrainian troops have unique experience in fighting Shahed drones (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
More than 200 Ukrainian military experts are already working in Middle Eastern countries, protecting partners from Iranian drones. In return, Kyiv expects concrete steps from them, says Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi at a press briefing.
How Ukraine is helping partners in the Middle East
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 201 Ukrainian military experts have already been sent to the Middle East.
According to Tykhyi, they are working in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, helping to protect partners, including the United States, from Iranian Shahed drones. Another 34 fighters are ready to be sent.
Why Ukraine?
According to Tykhyi, no other country in the world has such comprehensive experience in countering Iranian drones.
This is not only about interceptors. It is an entire system:
- Radars and command posts;
- Software for effective interception;
- Specialists with real combat experience.
"A few days ago, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that 11 countries have contacted Ukraine with requests for such support in recent weeks," Tykhyi said. Some of them have already thanked Ukraine for practical assistance.
What Kyiv expects in return
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson outlined four areas in which Ukraine expects reciprocity from Middle Eastern countries:
- Strengthening political support for Ukraine.
- Support for sanctions policy against Russia and Iran.
- Expansion of practical cooperation in security and defense.
- Participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction and investment projects.
"Obviously, protecting the sky and civilian infrastructure is a shared challenge, and Ukraine acts as a mutually beneficial partner in this area," the spokesperson concluded.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump said that he does not need assistance in the Middle East, calling Zelenskyy the last person he would accept it.
Western media wrote about the US interest in Ukrainian interceptor drones for operations in the region due to their low cost of several thousand dollars.
Israeli outlet Ynet reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reached out to Zelenskyy, considering Ukraine’s experience in countering Iranian drones.
