Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the UK Parliament on March 17, emphasizing the need for genuine security measures, particularly those proven effective in wartime. He announced the deployment of Ukrainian drone defense experts to the Middle East, highlighting the ongoing collaboration with several nations in the region.
Currently, 201 Ukrainian specialists are stationed in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, with an additional 34 prepared for deployment. These experts possess knowledge on countering threats posed by Iranian-made Shahed drones. Zelensky noted that Ukrainian teams are already operating in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with plans to move into Kuwait. He expressed a commitment to thwarting the Iranian regime’s terror against its neighbors.
Zelensky clarified that the deployment of military experts was in response to requests from international partners, including the United States. He described this initiative as part of a broader drone agreement that Ukraine has proposed to the U.S., which remains under negotiation.
“We are ready to offer similar agreements to all our reliable partners, ranging from practical cooperation in drone technology to future defense alliances,” Zelensky stated. He underscored the importance of leveraging Ukraine’s combat-tested capabilities in enhancing regional security.
On March 15, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly dismissed the idea of providing assistance to Ukraine in countering Iranian drone threats, stating that Washington does not require help and that Zelensky is not the partner from whom they seek assistance.
Earlier in March, Zelensky had indicated Ukraine’s willingness to aid Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian attacks, with Ukrainian experts set to work on the ground. Reports from the Financial Times suggested interest from the U.S. and an unnamed Gulf nation in acquiring Ukrainian interceptor drones. In response, Iranian officials labeled Ukraine a legitimate target.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the deployment of military experts to the Middle East to assist in countering drone threats from Iran. This initiative reflects Ukraine's commitment to international security collaboration amidst ongoing tensions in the region.