Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski announced that Ukraine will send specialists to the Middle East in the near future to provide support in combating Iranian Shahed drones. The mission is expected to begin as early as next week and comes after a request for assistance from the United States.
The announcement was made on Sunday, during a press conference. The Ukrainian leader explained that the specialists will analyze the situation directly in the region and provide technical expertise in the fight against drones.
“I believe that next week, when the experts will be on the ground, they will assess the situation and provide assistance, because they come with the capacity to help,” Zelenski said, according to News.ro.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that this cooperation could bring benefits to both parties. Kiev hopes that in exchange for the assistance provided, it will receive missiles for American Patriot systems, considered essential for Ukraine’s defense against missile attacks launched by Russia.
Experience gained in the war with Russia
During the war with Russia, Ukraine developed effective defense methods against Shahed kamikaze drones, designed by Iran and widely used by the Russian army.
In a message published in English on platform X, Zelenski specified that the initiative comes after a request from Washington.
“We received a request from the United States for specific support in protecting against Shahed drones in the Middle East region,” he wrote. “I have given instructions for the necessary means to be provided and to ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security.“
According to a source familiar with the situation, quoted by the press, the United States asked for help in protecting bases and American soldiers in certain countries in the region. The same source stated that the Ukrainian president instructed his army to provide support, and Ukrainian specialists are expected to begin their work “in the coming days.”