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Ukraine could help Middle Eastern countries counter Iranian-made Shahed drones if regional leaders persuade Moscow to agree to a temporary ceasefire, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Bloomberg.
“I would suggest the following: leaders of the Middle East have good relations with the Russians. They could ask Russia to establish a one-month truce,” Zelensky said.
According to him, once a ceasefire is in place Ukraine would send “its best drone interception operators” to Middle Eastern countries. The president noted that the truce could last a month, two months, or even two weeks, allowing Ukraine to assist regional partners in protecting civilians.
Zelensky added that the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar maintain strong economic ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also said Ukraine could provide similar assistance to Israel.
Ukraine’s experience countering Shahed drones
Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain could involve Ukrainian specialists to help Gulf countries defend against Iranian strike drones.
However, Zelensky noted on March 2 that Ukraine has not yet received any official requests to deploy Ukrainian experts to the Middle East for that purpose.
Iran has increasingly used its drones in attacks across the Gulf region following the start of the U.S. and Israeli military operation against the Iranian regime.
