Ukraine has deployed specialists to four Middle East countries to counter Iranian Shahed drones, with President Zelesky disclosing what assistance Kyiv seeks in exchange.
Ukraine Sends Drone Defense Specialists to Middle East
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesky informed journalists on Sunday (March 15) that Ukraine has sent its specialists to four countries in the Middle East region. The Ukrainian leader stated that each team consists of several dozen personnel who will conduct expert assessments and demonstrate how to effectively defend against Shaheds.
Earlier this week, the president revealed that teams had been sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The Kyiv Independent reports that specialists were also scheduled to travel to Jordan.
Zelesky Clarifies Ukraine’s Role in Drone Defense
“This is not about participating in operations. We are not at war with Iran. This is about protection and a thorough assessment of how to counter Shaheds,” Zelesky emphasized. Regarding what Ukraine will receive in exchange for its assistance, he replied that it still needs to be agreed upon. “Honestly, today both technology and funding are important to us,” he added.
Zelesky previously stated that nearly a dozen countries worldwide have approached Ukraine for help in countering this type of attack.
United States Requests Ukrainian Assistance
CNN reported that representatives of the US administration acknowledge that Iranian Shahed drones pose a greater threat than previously assumed. It was emphasized that American air defense will not be able to intercept all of them. Shaheds fly slowly and low, making it easier for them to evade air defense compared to ballistic missiles. Zelesky said the US had asked Ukraine for help in defending against Iranian drones.
Ukraine’s Cost-Effective Drone Defense Technology
It was Kyiv that first began using interceptor missiles produced by Ukrainian companies to destroy Shaheds. These missiles cost only a few thousand dollars. However, the sale of Ukrainian systems, even those produced abroad, requires approval from authorities in Kyiv.
Trump Rejects Ukrainian Drone Defense Help
Despite this, Donald Trump stated in a Friday interview with Fox News that the United States does not need Ukraine’s help in strengthening its drone defense amid the ongoing war in the Middle East. “No, we don’t need their help defending against drones. We know more about drones than anyone else,” he declared. His statement contradicts Zelesky’s words and constitutes a sudden rejection of Kyiv’s offer.
In a subsequent conversation with NBC News the following day, Trump said that Zelesky is “the last person the US needs help from.”
Iranian Official Threatens Ukraine Over Drone Assistance
Meanwhile, on Saturday March 14, Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of Iran’s National Security Commission, issued threats against Kyiv regarding its drone defense declarations. “By providing drone support to the Israeli regime, Ukraine has actually engaged in a war and – in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter – has made its entire territory a legitimate target for Iran,” the politician wrote in a post on platform X.