President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Thursday that Ukraine is offering military support to the United States and several Middle Eastern nations in efforts to counter aerial threats, particularly from Iranian-made Shahed drones. Speaking on Telegram, Zelensky said his country is already working with five Middle Eastern states on counter-drone strategies and has provided expert assessments to help build protection systems.

Ukraine’s Role in Middle East Security

Zelensky detailed that Ukrainian military specialists are currently engaged in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. Their efforts are split into two main tracks: first, the use of Ukrainian technologies to counter aerial threats, particularly drone attacks, and second, consultations with partners on assessing the security situation and preparing practical solutions to protect the skies based on Ukraine’s experience.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, said Ukrainian military teams have conducted expert assessments of the protection of critical infrastructure and developed concrete solutions. These recommendations are also being used to improve the effectiveness of certain air defense systems in the region.

Umerov added that interceptor units have been deployed to protect civilian and critical infrastructure. He also noted that Ukraine is working to expand coverage zones and identify further steps for developing long-term security cooperation with each of the countries involved.

U.S. and European Requests for Support

According to Zelensky, the United States has specifically requested expert support for its military in two areas in the Middle East. He said these requests are part of a broader effort to stabilize the region, particularly around Iran, which he described as having global significance for oil and gas markets and, consequently, for pricing in Europe and Ukraine.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s principled position is that no success of the terrorist activity of the Iranian regime, a long-standing ally of Russia, can be allowed. He said it is critical that terrorists are not allowed anywhere in the world to decide what happens to people and countries.

Separately, Zelensky said he has instructed Umerov to involve Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry and military in assessing existing international initiatives regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the real readiness of countries around the world to participate in stabilization missions. He expects concrete assessment results in the near future.

Zelensky noted that it is important for Ukraine’s global role in guaranteeing security and the quality of Ukrainian security expertise in protecting lives to be recognized by all partners. This, he said, aligns with Ukraine’s broader goal of strengthening its international standing and demonstrating its capability to contribute to global security.

Recent Deployments and Growing Demand

A week ago, more than 200 Ukrainians traveled to the Middle East to help defend against Iranian missiles and drones. This deployment follows a growing demand for Ukrainian military expertise, particularly in countering drone attacks, which have become a significant threat to both military and civilian infrastructure in the region.

Umerov said that Ukrainian teams have provided expert recommendations to improve the effectiveness of certain air defense systems. He added that the teams are also working to expand coverage zones and develop long-term security cooperation with each of the countries involved.

According to Zelensky, the collaboration with Middle Eastern and European partners is part of a larger strategy to stabilize the region and prevent further escalation of conflicts involving Iran. He said this effort is not only about countering immediate threats but also about building long-term partnerships that can help ensure regional security.

The growing demand for Ukrainian military expertise in the Middle East has raised questions about the extent of Ukraine’s involvement in international conflicts beyond its own war with Russia. Analysts say that Ukraine’s experience in countering drone attacks has made it a valuable partner for countries seeking to enhance their own defense capabilities.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the role of Ukrainian military experts is likely to grow. With the United States and several Middle Eastern countries seeking their support, Ukraine is positioning itself as a key player in global security efforts, particularly in the fight against drone warfare.