Ukraine sends drone experts to Middle East to help counter Iranian attacks
Mar 5th 2026
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will send military specialists to Gulf states to help counter Iranian Shahed drones and missiles, while coordinating with partners and ensuring Ukraine’s own defenses remain strong.
- Zelensky ordered foreign, defense, intelligence and security officials to propose ways to assist regional partners without weakening Ukraine's own defenses.
- Ukrainian specialist teams will operate on site and are already coordinating with Gulf countries facing drone and missile strikes.
- Zelensky said Iran launched over 800 missiles and more than 1,400 attack drones in recent days.
- Iranian Shahed 136 drones, which Russia has used in Ukraine, are relatively cheap, fly low and slow, and are difficult for air defenses to fully intercept.
- The drones have struck Gulf states including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and a drone attack in Kuwait killed six U.S. service members.
- Zelensky asked the EU and G7 to take active measures to dismantle Iran's attack capabilities and help restore safe navigation and regional stability.