Ukraine to Assist US Allies Against Iranian Drones, Seeking Security Guarantees
KYIV, Ukraine – The United States has requested assistance from Ukraine in defending Gulf allies against Iranian drones, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Thursday. This comes as Iran launched drones at countries in the Middle East in response to joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, mirroring the Shahed drones Russia has deployed extensively against Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Expertise in Drone Warfare
Ukraine has become a world leader in countering drone threats, having defended against tens of thousands of Shahed drones launched by Russia since the invasion began over four years ago. In a single nighttime barrage, Russia launched over 800 drones and decoys. Ukrainian manufacturers have developed low-cost interceptor drones capable of hunting and destroying Shaheds, and the country’s rapidly expanding drone industry now has excess capacity. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would begin exporting these battle-tested systems earlier this year.
Conditions for Assistance and Diplomatic Leverage
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine’s assistance is contingent on two key factors: ensuring its own defenses are not weakened and securing diplomatic gains in its ongoing conflict with Russia. He suggested a potential exchange – Ukrainian interceptor drones for more U.S. Patriot air defenses to protect against Russian ballistic missiles. “We help to defend from war those who help us, Ukraine, bring a just finish to the war,” Zelenskyy said. He confirmed receiving a U.S. Request for support and issuing an order to provide equipment and Ukrainian experts, without providing further details.
International Concerns and Shifting Priorities
The war in the Middle East has raised concerns that Ukraine may receive less attention and support from its allies. There are also worries about potential shortages of interceptor missiles and Russia benefiting from rising oil prices. Zelenskyy acknowledged these risks but is also seeking to leverage the crisis to advance Ukraine’s national interests. He has engaged in discussions with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait regarding potential cooperation.
Impact on Peace Talks
The current situation in the Middle East has also led to the postponement of a recent round of U.S.-brokered talks between Russia and Ukraine. Zelenskyy explained that “right now, because of the situation around Iran, there are not yet the necessary signals for a trilateral meeting.” Despite this setback, he remains open to resuming diplomatic efforts when the security and political context allows.
Prisoner Exchange
Amidst the ongoing conflicts, a prisoner exchange took place on Thursday, with 200 Ukrainian prisoners of war returned to Ukraine and an equal number of Russian prisoners returned to Russia, mediated by the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Negotiator Vladimir Medinsky announced a total of 500 prisoners from each side would be exchanged by Friday.
Interconnected Conflicts
Oleksandr Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, highlighted the interconnectedness of the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, stating that Russia and Iran are close allies. He argued that Iran supplies weapons to Russia, and Russia assists Iran in developing its defense industry.
Associated Press writers Lorne Cook in Brussels and Michelle L. Price in Washington contributed to this report.