Ukraine sending experts to Middle East to help counter Iranian drones
Source: The Hill
03/04/26 7:00 PM ET
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday announced his country is sending some of its military specialists to the Middle East to help counter Iranian drones and missiles.
In a post to the social platform X, Zelensky said he has tasked Ukraines minister of foreign affairs, minister of defense, intelligence agencies and the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to present options for assisting the relevant countries and to provide aid in a way that does not weaken our own defense in Ukraine.
In just a few days, Iran has launched over 800 missiles of various types and more than 1,400 attack drones. It is Iranian drones and missiles that pose the main threat to free navigation, destabilizing global prices for oil, petroleum products, and gas, he wrote.
He noted he is consulting with partners in Europe and the United States and that he spoke with the leaders of several countries neighboring Iran, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Bahrain. Talks with Kuwait and other countries in the region are also planned.
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5768104-zelensky-announces-aid-middle-east/
Link to tweet
@ZelenskyyUa
I held a meeting on the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region the challenges for Ukraine and our partners, as well as our capacity to help protect lives, prevent the war from expanding, and stabilize global markets.
The Iranian regime, which is striving to survive at any cost, poses clear threats to all states in the region and to global stability. No country close to Iran can feel secure. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has practically stopped. So far, the Iranian regime has shown no genuine intent for honest diplomacy or fundamental change.
Ukraine is consulting with partners in Europe and the United States, as well as with countries neighboring Iran. Yesterday, I spoke with the leaders of the UAE and Qatar. Today, I held discussions with the leaders of Jordan and Bahrain. There will also be talks with Kuwait and other countries in the region. All of them face a serious challenge and speak openly about it: Iranian attack drones are the same shaheds that have been striking our cities, villages, and our Ukrainian infrastructure throughout this war.
In just a few days, Iran has launched over 800 missiles of various types and more than 1,400 attack drones. It is Iranian drones and missiles that pose the main threat to free navigation, destabilizing global prices for oil, petroleum products, and gas.
Ukraine can contribute to protecting lives and stabilizing the situation. Partners are reaching out to us. I have tasked Ukraines Minister of Foreign Affairs, together with intelligence agencies, the Minister of Defense, our military command, and the NSDC Secretary, to present options for assisting the relevant countries and to provide aid in a way that does not weaken our own defense here in Ukraine.
Our military possesses the necessary capabilities. Ukrainian experts will operate on-site, and teams are already coordinating these efforts. And we are ready to help protect lives, defend civilians, and support real efforts to stabilize the situation and, in particular, restore safe navigation in the region.
We expect the European Union, European countries, and the G7 to take active measures both in dismantling the Iranian regimes terrorist capabilities and in protecting lives in the region and global stability. We will continue to coordinate with our partners. Glory to Ukraine!
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12:59 PM · Mar 4, 2026



Lovie777
(22,661 posts)drone bombers. That is a plus for ME and a negative for Iran.
Escurumbele
(4,076 posts)The fact that neither the USA or Israel are willing to help Ukraine brings more questions.
Maybe someone here can explain the strategy involved? Is he expecting that trump will be thankful and start helping Ukraine? Does he believe trump will go against Putin's orders?
BumRushDaShow
(168,440 posts)Iran is not attacking the mainland/CONUS United States. They are attacking countries in the middle east, some of which have U.S. military bases, embassies, schools, and other business.
IMHO, this overture is to those ME countries, who can perhaps supply Ukraine with $$$$ to get more weapons systems, etc.
Since the UAE, Qatar, and Bahrain have become the "playground of the rich", they have been tuning out all this stuff between Israel and Iran... until missiles started exploding on their territory without any warning.
BeyondGeography
(41,011 posts)and a chance to rub JD Vances face with a big helping of his anti-European pro-Russian MAGA bullshit are but a few things that come to mind. Plus a chance to repay Iran for all the Ukrainians they killed with their Shaheds.
Are you really flummoxed by this?
FBaggins
(28,698 posts)Knock out Iran and Russia is one step closer to losing in Ukraine. Every Iranian drone destroyed (or used up) is a drone that can't be sold to Russia to be fired at Ukraine.
And if the regime collapses? Russia is the one that suffers... particularly if Iran and Venezuela start producing more oil and Russia remains under sanctions.
mackdaddy
(1,966 posts)much more effective and cost effective than the million dollar missiles.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xFDFaclpK9g
ToxMarz
(2,879 posts)Iran is going to want them for themselves and I imagine we would be targeting their production facilities.
BumRushDaShow
(168,440 posts)to construct the Iranian-designed drones. So not all are coming from Iran.