• Ukraine is sending specialists to the Middle East to assist in countering Iranian drones.
• President Zelensky emphasized the need for technology and funding in return for support.
• Teams were deployed to Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and a US military base in Jordan.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his country seeks financial and technological support in exchange for its assistance to Middle Eastern nations in defending against Iranian kamikaze drones. This declaration comes after Kyiv deployed three teams to the region, comprising dozens of specialists tasked with conducting assessments and demonstrating drone defense operations. Gulf countries, grappling with attacks from Iranian drones, have shown interest in Ukraine's expertise acquired during the ongoing conflict with Russia, where Ukraine has effectively countered similar threats utilizing various forms of weaponry, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

Zelensky emphasized that the assistance is not an involvement in military operations against Iran, stating, "This is about protection and a thorough, complete assessment on our part of how to counter the Shaheds," referring to Iranian drones. He disclosed that while teams have already been sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and a US military base in Jordan, discussions about the terms of what Ukraine will receive in return for its drone defense initiatives are still ongoing, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

Regarding broader negotiations, Zelensky expressed uncertainty about a potential drone cooperation deal with the United States, which he has been pursuing for several months, indicating that "both the technology and the funding are important." He raised concerns that the conflict in the Middle East could impact Ukraine's own air defense missile supplies, underscoring the delicate balance of international military relations amidst ongoing global conflicts, according to SCMP, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.