President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian military experts have been deployed to the Middle East to assist partner countries in countering drone threats and strengthening air defense systems.
In remarks published on Telegram on Friday, April 10, Zelensky said Ukrainian specialists, including drone and electronic warfare experts, had supported multiple countries. He said earlier in mid-March that 201 specialists were already deployed, with another 34 “ready” to go.
Zelensky said Ukrainian teams helped intercept Iranian-made Shahed drones and shared practical experience in improving air defense capabilities.
“Did we shoot down Iranian Shaheds? Yes. In one country? No, in several,” he said.
He added that the cooperation focused on building effective air defense systems rather than training missions.
Zelensky also said Ukrainian forces had successfully intercepted jet-powered drones, calling it an important development.
“We showed that it works,” he said, adding that Ukraine aims to scale up production of interceptor drones capable of countering such threats.
Zelensky said he plans to hold talks with European partners in the near future on long-term cooperation in countering drone threats.
According to state media Ukrinform, Zelensky said the discussions would focus on building sustained partnerships similar to those Ukraine is developing in the Middle East, aimed at strengthening “long-term cooperation that really strengthens Ukraine.”
He said Ukraine’s battlefield experience gives it unique expertise in military and security matters that could benefit its partners.
The president added that the meetings would also address financial support for Ukraine and issues related to the country’s EU accession.
On March 30, Zelensky said that Ukraine discussed cooperation on naval drones with Middle Eastern countries during his recent regional tour. He said the talks included sharing Ukraine’s experience in securing maritime trade routes using naval drones.
“Yes, we discussed it. This is part of the broader agreements I have already mentioned.”
Zelensky began a Middle East tour on March 27, visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Jordan. He announced that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have reached an important agreement on defense cooperation during his surprise visit to the kingdom.
According to AFP, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia were expected to sign a security cooperation agreement focused in part on air defense. Following the visit, Zelensky also hinted at plans to obtain the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense systems from the US and the Middle East to help counter Russian guided aerial bombs.