Speaking to British lawmakers in London on 17/3, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that 201 Ukrainian citizens are present in the Middle East and the Gulf region, with an additional 34 ready for deployment.

"They are military experts specializing in countering Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Our forces are already in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and en route to Kuwait," President Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine is cooperating with several nations following agreements.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine learned to counter this weapon type through its conflict with Russia. "We have clear evidence that the Shahed UAVs Iran uses in the region contain Russian components," he said, describing the weapon as a "low-cost method to destroy expensive energy infrastructure."

Ukraine's president addressing British lawmakers on 17/3. *Photo: AP*

President Zelensky also highlighted Ukraine's achievements in the drone sector, stating that the country now produces at least 2,000 interceptor drones daily. Kyiv requires half of these for defense missions, while the remainder can be transferred to allies for use.

"If Shahed UAVs need to be stopped in the UAE, Europe, or the UK, we can do that. This is a matter of technology, investment, and coordination," Zelensky stated.

Ukraine and the UK signed a defense cooperation agreement during President Zelensky's visit. According to the agreement, "Ukraine's expertise and the UK's industrial base" will combine to produce and supply drones and innovative capabilities.

An example of a Ukrainian interceptor drone in a photo published in 8/2025. *Photo: Militarnyi*

Following an attack by the US and Israel on 28/2, Iran launched a retaliatory campaign targeting military objectives and energy infrastructure in the Middle East with missiles and suicide UAVs. Several bases housing US forces were struck, resulting in casualties and damage to military equipment.

However, US President Donald Trump stated that assistance from Ukraine was not needed in efforts to counter Iranian UAV attacks.

Ebrahim Azizi, a member of Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stated on 14/3 that Ukraine had become a belligerent in the Middle East conflict after "providing UAV support to Israel".

Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel, Yevgen Korniychuk, later stated that Kyiv is not intimidated by "provocative statements" and is ready to side with Tel Aviv.

Pham Giang (According to Al Jazeera, Ukrainska Pravda, AP)