Ukraine is seeking financial aid and advanced technology in exchange for providing expertise to down Iranian drones in the Middle East, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This assistance comes as nations in the region face ongoing attacks from Iran, often linked to hosting US military bases.
Zelenskyy stated that three Ukrainian teams were dispatched to the Middle East to offer expert assessments and demonstrate drone defense mechanisms. He emphasized that Ukraine is not directly involved in combat operations against Iran. Earlier in the week, military teams were sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and a US military base in Jordan.
Ukraine’s Role and Future Deals
The Ukrainian president indicated that potential long-term drone deals could be negotiated with Gulf countries. The specifics of what Kyiv will receive in return for its assistance are still under discussion. “For us today, both the technology and the funding are important,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
Ukraine has developed significant expertise in countering Iranian Shahed-136 “suicide” drones, which Russia has extensively used during the four-year Russia-Ukraine war. Kyiv’s experience includes employing cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools, and anti-aircraft weaponry.
However, US President Donald Trump has publicly stated that he does not require Ukraine’s assistance in intercepting Iranian drones targeting American interests.
Concerns Over Missile Supplies
Zelenskyy expressed concern that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could potentially impact Ukraine’s supply of air defense missiles. “We would very much not like the United States to step away from the issue of Ukraine because of the Middle East,” he stated.
He also raised questions about why a drone agreement with Kyiv, which has been sought for months, has not yet been finalized by Washington. “I wanted to sign a deal worth about $35bn–50bn,” he said.
As interest in Ukrainian drone interceptors grows due to the current conflicts, Zelenskyy stressed the need to tighten rules for purchasing these drones. He wants to prevent foreign countries and firms from bypassing the Ukrainian government to negotiate directly with manufacturers. “Unfortunately, representatives of certain governments or companies want to bypass the Ukrainian state to purchase specific equipment,” Zelenskyy noted. He added that even in free countries, private sector contracts sometimes come through political channels before direct negotiation can begin.
Fonte: Al Jazeera English
