Zelenskiy: Ukraine sent air defence experts to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has deployed military specialists to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to assist in countering Iranian Shahed drones and missile attacks, according to recent announcements. The move follows Iran’s launch of over 800 missiles and 1,400 drones targeting Gulf nations and U.S. allies since the escalation of conflict in the region. These delta-winged Shahed 136 drones, originally supplied to Russia for use against Ukraine, have proven difficult to intercept due to their low-altitude flight profiles and low production costs ($30,000–$50,000 per unit) compared to expensive U.S. Patriot missile interceptors (costing millions each) according to analysis.

Ukraine, having developed extensive experience defending against Shahed drones since 2022, has innovated low-cost countermeasures, including interceptor drones priced at $1,000–$2,000. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukrainian experts will operate on-site in the Middle East to enhance regional defenses while ensuring Ukraine’s own security is not compromised according to reports. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to secure financial and military support for Kyiv, as European Union loan negotiations stall and U.S. defense systems like PAC-3 missiles are rapidly depleted in the Gulf according to analysis.

By offering drone expertise, Ukraine aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and potentially secure funding or advanced defense equipment in return. U.S. officials have acknowledged Ukraine’s “marginal short-term leverage” in these negotiations, though practical constraints, such as export controls and strategic priorities, remain according to analysis. The deployment underscores the growing global demand for Ukraine’s defense innovations amid overlapping conflicts and shifting geopolitical alliances.