Zelenskyy plans troop deployment to Middle East to guard US base: Timeline named
Partners highly value Ukrainians’ experience in drone warfare (Photo: Pixabay.com)
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already given instructions regarding the preparation and sending of Ukrainian specialists to the Middle East to help the US counter Iranian Shahed drones. It is also known when they will depart, according to a Reuters source.
As is known, the US asked Ukraine for help in protecting its bases and military personnel in certain Middle Eastern countries — specifically in the fight against Iranian kamikaze drones Shahed.
The global community knows that Ukrainians have had success in countering Shahed drones during four years of war, and Zelenskyy did not refuse Washington’s request for assistance. On Thursday, he said that Kyiv will send its specialists to help American forces.
“We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against 'Shaheds' in the Middle East region… I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security,” the president’s statement, cited by the publication, said.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Ukrainian specialists will begin work within the next few days.
US President Donald Trump commented on Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s proposal to provide support in operations against Iranian drones. In a phone interview with Reuters on Thursday, he said that the US will accept help from any country.
Reuters also recalled that on Tuesday, Zelenskyy said he was ready to exchange drone interceptors for anti-aircraft missiles from Middle Eastern allies that have their own stockpiles of Patriot missile systems.
On March 5, Zelenskyy said that the US had asked Ukraine for help in protecting against Shahed-type drones in the Middle East.
The experience of Ukrainian military personnel in combat against drones and other threats is highly valued by partners. For example, during joint exercises, the Ukrainian Armed Forces defeated NATO — in that operation, drone control played a major role.
