Zelenskiy says Ukraine wants money, technology in return ... - Reuters
AI Analysis
Ukraine is offering its expertise in countering drones to Middle Eastern countries in exchange for financial and technological support. Ukrainian specialists have been deployed to the region to provide assessments and advice on drone defenses.
Key Takeaways
- Ukraine seeks financial and technological compensation for aiding Middle Eastern nations against Iranian drones.
- Ukrainian teams have been sent to Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and a U.S. base in Jordan for assessments.
- Zelenskiy emphasizes Ukraine's non-involvement in Gulf combat operations.
- Ukraine aims to negotiate long-term drone defense deals with Gulf states.
- Gulf states are using significant air-defense resources against Iranian Shahed drones.
Why It Matters
This development highlights Ukraine's strategic move to leverage its counter-drone expertise for economic and technological gains, potentially strengthening its defense capabilities. It also underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in counter-UAS efforts, particularly in regions facing drone threats from state and non-state actors.
Zelenskiy says Ukraine wants money, technology in return for Middle East drone help | Reuters Skip to main content Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv
Subscribe
Zelenskiy says Ukraine wants money, technology in return for Middle East drone help
By Max Hunder and Yuliia Dysa March 15, 20268:52 AM UTCUpdated ago Text * Small Text * Medium Text * Large Text Share * X * Facebook * Linkedin * Email * Link Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a panel at Paris's Sciences Po university Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a panel at Sciences Po university, in Paris, France March 13, 2026.REUTERS/Abdul Saboor Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
- Summary
- Zelenskiy says Ukraine not involved in Gulf combat operations
- Ukrainian specialists conducting assessments, giving advice
- Kyiv wants to sign drone deals with Gulf states KYIV, March 15 (Reuters) - Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region. Zelenskiy told reporters that three teams were sent to the Middle East to conduct expert assessments and demonstrate how drone defences should operate. Earlier this week he said teams were sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, as well as a U.S. military base in Jordan. Sign up here. "This is not about being involved in operations. We are not at war with Iran," Zelenskiy said. He said that more fundamental, long-term drone deals could be negotiated with Gulf countries and what Ukraine will get in return for the assistance still needed to be discussed. "For us today, both the technology and the funding are important," Zelenskiy said. Gulf states have expended large quantities of air-defence missiles to counter Iran’s Shahed drones. Kyiv downs Russian drones every night using an array of weaponry including cheaper,smaller drones or jamming equipment. Zelenskiy has said that the U.S. as well as countrie