Ukrainian drone specialists will work in Middle East, Zelenskyy says
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Ukraine will help Middle Eastern countries defend against drone attacks from Iran, but this should not affect the defense capabilities of the Ukrainian army, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state held a meeting on the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region. Participants discussed challenges for Ukraine, for Ukrainian partners, and possible ways to help protect lives.
Zelenskyy recalled that he had already spoken with the leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Bahrain. Talks are also planned with the leader of Kuwait and other regional states. All of these countries face a common threat: Iranian Shahed drones. Tehran has already used over 1,400 attack drones.
The President said he instructed Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, together with intelligence agencies, Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, military command, and NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov, to prepare support options for the relevant countries and provide assistance in a way that does not compromise Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia.
"Our military possesses the necessary capabilities. Ukrainian experts will operate on-site, and teams are already coordinating these efforts. And we are ready to help protect lives, defend civilians, and support real efforts to stabilize the situation and, in particular, restore safe navigation in the region," Zelenskyy wrote.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine expects European countries and the G7 to take an active role in eliminating the terrorist capabilities of the Iranian regime and protecting lives in the region.
Conditions for helping the Middle East
A few days ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine could send its top Shahed drone specialists to the Middle East.
He clarified that such assistance would be possible if leaders of the Persian Gulf states convinced Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine.
The President also offered Middle Eastern countries interceptor drones in exchange for PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, which can shoot down ballistic missiles.
