US Requests Ukraine's Assistance Against Iranian Drones
The United States has requested Ukraine's assistance in defending its Gulf allies against Iranian drone attacks, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky revealed that Ukraine's international partners have been in contact, with specific requests coming from the American side.
"It is clear what their main request to Ukraine is," Zelensky stated 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 that he had issued instructions to provide the necessary resources and ensure the deployment of Ukrainian specialists capable of guaranteeing the required security measures.
When asked about Ukraine's offer, US President Donald Trump responded,
"I'll take any assistance from any country."
Earlier, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine would provide help only if its own defense capabilities remained uncompromised and if there were diplomatic benefits for Kyiv.
He specifically mentioned a willingness to exchange Ukrainian interceptor drones for additional US Patriot air defense systems to protect against Russian ballistic missile threats.
Concerns Amid Middle East Conflict
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has raised concerns that Ukraine might be adversely affected if its allies become distracted by the crisis.
There are also worries about a potential shortage of interceptor missiles and the possibility of Russia benefiting from rising oil prices, which are a significant source of funding for its military operations.
Zelensky has acknowledged these risks but appears eager to leverage the situation to advance Ukraine's national interests.
He has engaged with leaders across the Gulf region—including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait—and has pledged what he describes as "concrete steps" to assist in defending their military bases and civilian infrastructure from Iranian attacks.
"It is in our common interest to help people defend themselves and to restore stability in critically important supply routes," Zelensky said. "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."
Background on Shahed Drones and US-Ukraine Relations
Ukraine has long been targeted by Russian-made Shahed drones—one-way unmanned aerial vehicles based on Iranian designs.
The irony of the US seeking Ukraine's help has not gone unnoticed by Ukrainians, who have endured inconsistent US policies regarding their defense against Russia's full-scale invasion.
While direct US military support ceased under President Trump's administration, the US continues to provide vital intelligence that aids Ukraine in defending against drones and missiles, as well as conducting strikes deep within Russian territory.
Now, after years of Ukraine requesting assistance, the situation has reversed, with Zelensky aiming to use this opportunity for diplomatic, military, and financial gains.
Ukraine may anticipate US gratitude if it can support American allies in the Gulf, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, Ukraine may seek to improve relations with Arab nations, some of which have traditionally maintained close ties with Russia and have attempted to remain neutral in the Ukraine conflict.
Delegations from Gulf countries have already visited Kyiv for discussions. According to one source, some delegates were instructed to remain in Ukraine's capital until an agreement was reached. Meanwhile, the UK is reportedly exploring ways to assist Qatar.
Zelensky may also hope that by equipping Gulf partners with adequate air defenses, they will reduce reliance on costly and limited Patriot missiles to intercept inexpensive drones.
Ukraine faces a shortage of Patriot air defense systems and is unlikely to want excessive quantities diverted to the Middle East, where they might be depleted.
Zelensky informed journalists on Thursday that approximately 800 Patriot PAC-3 missiles had been expended in recent days—exceeding the total number Ukraine has received throughout the entire war.
He proposed a potential exchange:
"We would like to quietly work with countries – both those we can name and those we cannot – to obtain for ourselves some of the deficit missiles for Patriot systems and transfer the appropriate number of [drone] interceptors."
Conditions and Challenges for Ukrainian Assistance
Any assistance provided by Ukraine will be conditional. Zelensky stated on social media,
"Of course, any assistance we provide will only be on the condition that it does not weaken our own defence in Ukraine and that it serves as an investment in our diplomatic capabilities."
Ihor Fedirko, head of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, told the BBC that Ukraine could increase interceptor drone production to as many as 10,000 units per month.
However, any discussions regarding deliveries to foreign partners would require the highest level of political approval within Ukraine.
Even if such transfers were authorized, Fedirko cautioned that providing allies with the necessary training and expertise to effectively operate air defense systems would be significantly more challenging.
"The weapons are just plastic and metal, without teaching and training," he explained. "We can send you these goods. But what will you do with them? How will you apply the weaponry? Who will teach you?" "At the moment, our training centres in Ukraine are totally booked by our armed forces as well as our civilians."
