SUNTV Global – March 5, 2026:
Despite grappling with a relentless war against Russia, Ukraine has offered to assist Middle Eastern nations in countering Iranian drone attacks, signaling Kyiv’s willingness to extend its hard-won battlefield expertise beyond Europe.
In an interview with Rai Italia on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that Middle Eastern partners had reached out for help after Iranian “shahed” drones targeted civilians in the region.
“We received signals from partners in the Middle East. They are seeking our expertise, and we are open to provide it,” Zelensky said. He emphasized that Kyiv’s experience with Iranian-made drones gives Ukraine a unique perspective on countering these threats.
Zelensky acknowledged that Ukraine is itself struggling with limited air defense resources. “Regarding weapons: we ourselves are at war. We have a shortage of what our partners have,” he said, noting that while some Middle Eastern nations operate Patriot missiles, intercepting waves of drones remains a costly challenge. “They need interceptor drones, which we have. Meanwhile, we face shortages of PAC-2 and PAC-3 missiles,” he added.
The Ukrainian leader suggested that a technology or weapons exchange could be mutually beneficial, signaling Kyiv’s interest in strategic cooperation despite the ongoing crisis at home.
This announcement comes as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalates, with no clear end in sight. Ukraine continues to endure heavy losses and energy shortages from Russia’s invasion, even as its combat experience positions it as a potential contributor to international security efforts.
The United States remains a key supporter of Ukraine, while debates in Congress intensify over continued military involvement in the Middle East.
Ukraine’s willingness to share expertise marks a bold move, showing that even in the midst of its own war, Kyiv is positioning itself as a player on the global security stage.