Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
08-03-2026
KYIV: The US has asked Ukraine for help defending Gulf allies against Iranian drones, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He said Ukraine’s partners had been reaching out and there had been “requests from the American side”.
Zelensky said he had given instructions “to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security”.
Asked about the Ukrainian offer, US President Donald Trump said: “I’ll take any assistance from any country.”
Earlier, Zelensky had made clear Ukraine would help on condition that its own defence was not weakened and that there were diplomatic gains for Kyiv.
He suggested, in particular, that Ukraine would be willing to swap its interceptor drones for more US Patriot air defences to protect against Russian ballistic missiles.
The war in the Middle East has raised fears Ukraine could suffer if its allies are distracted by the conflict.
There have also been concerns about a potential shortage of interceptor missiles and Russia benefiting from rising oil prices, the proceeds from which are a key source of funding for its war effort.
Zelensky has acknowledged these risks but also seems keen to take advantage of the crisis to further Ukraine’s national interest.
He has spoken to counterparts across the Gulf, in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait and is promising what he calls “concrete steps” to help them defend their military bases and civilian infrastructure from Iranian attack.
“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.”
He added: “It is in our common interest to help people defend themselves and to restore stability in critically important supply routes.
“Partners are reaching out to Ukraine for assistance in defending against Shaheds for expertise and practical support. There have also been requests from the American side.”
Ukraine has for years been subject to strikes by Russian-made Shahed drones, one-way unmanned aircraft based on an Iranian design.
The irony of the US asking for help has not been lost on Ukrainians who have suffered from US President Donald Trump’s erratic policy towards their defence against Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The US has ceased direct military support under his administration but continues to provide vital intelligence that helps Ukraine both defend against drones and missiles, and strike targets deep within Russia.
Now, after years of Ukraine asking for help, the tables have been turned and it seems clear Zelensky wants to use this moment as a diplomatic, military and financial opportunity. Ukraine may hope for US gratitude if it can help American allies in the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia.
It may also hope to win favor among Arab nations, some of which have traditionally had close links with Russia and have tried to avoid taking sides in the Ukraine conflict.
Delegations from the Gulf have already arrived in Kyiv for discussions. One source said some had been told to stay in Ukraine’s capital until they agreed a deal. The UK is said to be looking for ways of helping Qatar.
Zelensky may also hope that, by giving Gulf partners adequate air defences, he will discourage them from using expensive and scarce Patriot missiles to bring down cheap drones. (Int’l News Desk)
