President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has revealed that Ukraine is demanding both financial compensation and technological support in return for providing its expertise to Middle Eastern countries grappling with Iranian kamikaze drone threats. This announcement follows Kyiv’s deployment of specialist teams to the region, aimed at helping these nations bolster their drone defence capabilities. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine’s involvement is strictly advisory and technical, not military, underscoring that Kyiv is not engaged in any conflict with Iran.
In recent days, Zelenskiy confirmed that three expert groups had been dispatched to key Gulf states, including Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, as well as to a U.S. military installation in Jordan. Their mission has been to conduct detailed assessments and provide demonstrations on how to effectively counter drone incursions. These deployments reflect Ukraine’s growing reputation as a leader in drone warfare tactics, honed through its ongoing conflict with Russia.
While Ukraine is willing to share its knowledge and operational experience, Zelenskiy made it clear that Kyiv expects tangible returns from these collaborations. “We are looking at long-term agreements that involve both technology transfers and financial investment,” he explained. This stance comes amid reports that Gulf countries have been expending significant quantities of expensive air-defence missiles to neutralize Iran’s Shahed drones, which have become a persistent security challenge in the region.
Ukraine’s own military has developed a multifaceted approach to countering Russian drone attacks, employing a combination of cost-effective smaller drones and electronic jamming systems. Zelenskiy noted that several countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the United States have sought Ukraine’s guidance on these defensive measures. However, he pointed out a notable exception in the U.S., where former President Donald Trump publicly stated that America does not require Ukraine’s assistance in drone defence.
Addressing this divergence, Zelenskiy expressed uncertainty over why Washington has yet to finalize a major drone defence deal with Kyiv, despite months of negotiations. He revealed that Ukraine had hoped to secure a contract valued between 35 and 50 billion dollars, a figure that underscores the strategic importance Kyiv places on such partnerships. Additionally, Zelenskiy criticized certain Ukrainian companies and foreign governments for attempting to negotiate anti-drone equipment deals without official approval from the Ukrainian government, highlighting concerns over unauthorized agreements that could undermine Kyiv’s position.
Beyond the immediate military and technological issues, Zelenskiy also voiced apprehension about the broader geopolitical implications of the escalating conflict in the Middle East. He warned that prolonged hostilities could strain Ukraine’s own access to critical air defence missile supplies, which are vital for its ongoing defence against Russian aggression. “It is crucial that the United States does not divert its attention and resources away from Ukraine due to the turmoil in the Middle East,” Zelenskiy stressed during his remarks.
The recent surge in violence, triggered by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, has also disrupted planned diplomatic efforts. A scheduled round of peace talks involving Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington, initially set to take place in the UAE, was postponed amid the heightened tensions. Zelenskiy mentioned that Washington has proposed relocating the talks to the United States next week, but Russia has expressed reluctance to participate on American soil. “Either the venue will be changed, or Russia must agree to meet in the U.S.,” he stated, reflecting the ongoing diplomatic impasse.
On the battlefield, Zelenskiy conveyed cautious optimism, asserting that Ukraine’s military intelligence believes the anticipated Russian spring offensive has already faltered. Moscow had planned for a significant escalation by this time, but Ukrainian forces appear to have successfully blunted the advance, maintaining their defensive positions. This assessment adds a layer of complexity to the broader conflict, as Kyiv continues to balance military resilience with diplomatic maneuvering amid regional instability.
