Ukraine Offers Drone Defense Expertise to US and Middle East, Citing US Request for Assistance

Kyiv has extended an offer to share its combat experience and technology in countering Iran’s strike drones with both the United States and several Middle Eastern nations. This comes after a reported request from the US for specific support in defending against “Shahed” drones, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 5th.

US Request and Ukrainian Response

According to Zelenskyy’s post on X (formerly Twitter), the United States requested assistance in defending against Shahed drones in the Middle East region. In response, Zelenskyy stated he instructed officials to allocate necessary funds and deploy Ukrainian specialists to provide the required security measures. CNN reported on February 23, 2026, that Zelenskyy is actively seeking continued US support amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Expanding Assistance to Middle Eastern Allies

Ukraine has already dispatched specialists to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, and more than ten countries have reportedly requested Kyiv’s assistance. This initiative highlights Ukraine’s willingness to leverage its experience in countering drone warfare – gained during the ongoing conflict with Russia – to support its partners.

Trump’s Perspective on Drone Defense

Former US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence in American drone technology, stating, “No, for us in defense against drones [Ukrainas] no help needed,” and further asserting, “We know more about drones than anybody. In fact, we have the best drones in the world.”

Context of the Broader Conflict

This exchange occurs as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, with trilateral peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States yet to yield a breakthrough. CNN noted that Zelenskyy addressed the situation on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, emphasizing the importance of continued US support. The 2019 Trump-Ukraine scandal, involving a request for investigations into Joe Biden, adds historical context to the current dynamic between Zelenskyy and Trump.

Zelenskyy’s Plea for Continued US Support

Zelenskyy has directly appealed to Donald Trump to “stay on our side,” emphasizing that the United States is “too big and too crucial to walk away” from the conflict. He believes that continued American support is crucial in countering Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom Zelenskyy described as “a war… it’s all about himself.” The Atlantic reported on February 12, 2026, that Zelenskyy believes a resolution to the conflict could be a significant victory for Trump.