Ukraine is being called upon to assist Gulf allies in defending against Iranian drone attacks, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Speaking publicly, Zelensky confirmed that Washington had made formal requests for Kyiv’s support, citing the expertise Ukraine has developed in countering one-way unmanned Shahed drones, which are based on Iranian designs.
“It is clear what their main request to Ukraine is,” Zelensky said on social media. “Anyone who has faced Iranian strikes encounters a serious challenge—Shaheds, which are difficult to intercept without the proper expertise and adequate weapons.”
Zelensky added that his government had given instructions to “provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security,” stressing that any assistance would be carefully balanced so as not to weaken Ukraine’s own defences.
US President Donald Trump responded positively to the Ukrainian offer, stating: “I’ll take any assistance from any country.” Zelensky had earlier stipulated that Ukraine’s help would be contingent upon diplomatic gains for Kyiv, particularly in the form of enhanced air defences against Russian missiles. He hinted at potential swaps, offering Ukrainian interceptor drones in exchange for additional US Patriot missile systems.
The backdrop to this development is a Middle East increasingly under threat from Iranian drone strikes, raising concerns in Kyiv about resource diversion and the global impact of rising oil prices that benefit Russia. Despite these risks, Zelensky appears keen to leverage the crisis to advance Ukraine’s national interests, including strengthening ties with Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait.
Delegations from several Gulf nations have already arrived in Kyiv to discuss the potential collaboration. Sources indicate some delegations have been asked to remain in the Ukrainian capital until agreements are reached, signalling Kyiv’s determination to secure favourable outcomes.
Ukraine has long contended with Shahed drone strikes from Russia-backed operations. The irony of the US now seeking Kyiv’s help has not been lost on Ukrainians, who have experienced inconsistent support from Washington over the course of the war. While direct military support under Trump’s administration has ceased, intelligence-sharing and operational guidance have remained crucial to Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
Zelensky also emphasised that any support provided would be designed to maximise efficiency and prevent the waste of scarce resources. Kyiv has already expended nearly 800 Patriot PAC-3 missiles in recent weeks, exceeding the total number received since the war began. A potential swap of interceptor drones for additional Patriot missiles could bolster Ukraine’s defences while supporting Gulf partners.
Ihor Fedirko, head of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, told the BBC that Ukraine could scale interceptor-drone production to up to 10,000 units monthly. However, he stressed that supplying weapons alone is insufficient: “The weapons are just plastic and metal, without teaching and training… At the moment, our training centres in Ukraine are totally booked by our armed forces as well as our civilians.”
Zelensky’s move illustrates Ukraine’s strategic balancing act—helping US allies and strengthening diplomatic ties without compromising national security. As the Gulf faces growing drone threats, Ukraine’s expertise may become a crucial element in regional defence, turning Kyiv’s hard-won experience into both a diplomatic and military asset.
Melissa Enoch
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