image sourced from original article at Ukraine has deployed 228 specialist personnel to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan to help intercept drone attacks and advise on air defense. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the teams are focusing on countering waves of Iranian Shahed drones, while local forces handle ballistic missile threats. Kyiv expects to finalize significant security agreements with these countries.
Nearly a dozen nations have sought Ukraine’s expertise in countering inexpensive kamikaze drones, drawing on its experience defending against tens of thousands of similar attacks since Russia’s 2022 invasion. Ukrainian teams are currently protecting civilian and critical infrastructure in the Middle East and working to expand coverage using domestically developed interceptor drone technology.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine is seeking financial support and technology partnerships in return for its assistance. Talks with the United States are expected to cover a potential large-scale drone cooperation agreement and broader bilateral arrangements, including postwar security guarantees and economic recovery plans. Ukraine is also expanding joint drone production efforts with several European partners.
