Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced the deployment of three specialized teams to the Middle East, each consisting of dozens of experts, to assist in countering Iranian drone threats. This statement was made during a press conference on March 14, as reported by Suspilne.
“This is not a story about three or four people going somewhere just to show something. We have serious teams. Three teams have flown out, capable of providing expertise and demonstrating how this should work,” Zelensky stated.
He clarified that the mission does not involve direct military operations against Iran, as Ukraine is not engaged in conflict with the country. Instead, the focus is on providing comprehensive expertise on how to combat Iranian Shahed drones.
“For now, this is entirely about expertise. They will definitely need to physically demonstrate how it works, and they will do that. This is the first step. More fundamental, long-term agreements will be related to drone deals with these states,” he added.
Regarding potential exchanges for Ukraine’s assistance in countering drones, Zelensky mentioned ongoing negotiations. He emphasized the importance of technology and financial support in these discussions.
“Honestly, what will be important for us today will be both technologies and money. So we will see. If such a Drone Deal format works out, then it will happen,” Zelensky remarked.
Previously, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine had received 11 requests for security assistance from neighboring countries of Iran, European nations, and the United States concerning the Iranian drone threat. He noted that the first Ukrainian group aimed at providing military expertise to Gulf countries in repelling Iranian drone attacks has already departed for the Middle East. There have been no updates regarding negotiations between Kyiv and Israeli authorities on this matter.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted an attack on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce the initiation of a significant military operation against Iran. The stated goal was to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime, which Trump accused of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The operation aims to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, ensuring the prevention of global destabilization. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones towards Israel, as well as attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the U.S. military operation against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council.
The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
President Zelensky has expressed support for giving Iranians a chance to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by attacks originating from Iran.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).
On March 1, the IRGC declared the commencement of the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, mentioning he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.”
On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s election, stating simply, “We’ll see what happens.” He had previously suggested that the new Iranian leader would not last long without approval from the White House.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has confirmed the dispatch of expert teams to the Middle East to assist in countering Iranian drone threats. This development comes amid heightened military tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.