Photo: RBC
More than 200 Ukrainian military specialists are already working in Middle Eastern countries, helping protect partners from Iranian drones. In return, Kyiv expects concrete steps from them.
This was stated by the spokesperson of Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, Heorhii Tykhyi, during a briefing.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 201 Ukrainian military experts have already been deployed to the Middle East. According to Tykhyi, they are working in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, helping to defend partners, including the United States, from Iranian “Shahed” drones. Another 34 personnel are ready for deployment.
According to Tykhyi, no other country in the world has such comprehensive experience in countering Iranian drones. This includes not only interceptors but a full system: radar and command centers, software for effective interception, and specialists with real combat experience.
He added that, as previously stated by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, 11 countries have recently approached Ukraine with requests for such support, and some have already expressed gratitude for practical assistance.
In return, Ukraine expects four key steps from Middle Eastern countries: strengthening political support for Ukraine; supporting sanctions policies against Russia and Iran; expanding practical cooperation in security and defense; and participating in Ukraine’s reconstruction and investment projects.
“Protecting the skies and civilian infrastructure is a shared challenge, and Ukraine is a mutually beneficial partner in this area,” the spokesperson emphasized.
At the same time, Donald Trump stated that he does not need assistance in the Middle East, calling Zelensky “the last person” from whom he would accept it.
Meanwhile, Western media have reported U.S. interest in Ukrainian interceptor drones for operations in the region due to their relatively low cost—only a few thousand dollars.
The Israeli outlet Ynet also reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reached out to Zelensky to request talks, given Ukraine’s experience in countering Iranian drones.
