"We have demonstrated to several countries how to use interceptor systems. Did we destroy them? The answer is yes. Was it only in one country? No, but in several countries," President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters today.

On 17/3, Zelensky announced that over 200 Ukrainian military experts specializing in countering Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are present in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with some en route to Kuwait, to assist these nations in dealing with Iranian UAVs.

According to Zelensky, this is not a training or exercise mission, but rather support for building modern air defense systems capable of real-world operation. "Yes, they have shot down Shahed UAVs," he added, referring to the Iranian-made UAV type.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Kyiv on 30/3. Photo: AFP

Following attacks by the US and Israel on 28/2, Iran launched retaliatory operations, targeting military objectives and energy infrastructure in the Middle East with missiles and kamikaze UAVs. Iranian attacks hit several bases housing US forces, resulting in casualties and damage to military equipment.

US President Donald Trump had previously stated that assistance from Ukraine was not needed in efforts to counter Iranian UAV attacks. However, Gulf nations later invited Zelensky to visit to discuss defense cooperation, particularly regarding UAV countermeasures.

Zelensky stated that Ukrainian military experts have mastered UAV countermeasures after over 4 years of conflict with Russia.

An Iranian Shahed-136 UAV with a list of targeted objectives in a photo published on 29/3. Photo: Fars News

The Ukrainian President said this week that Ukraine's anti-UAV units would remain in the Gulf region even if the US and Iran reached a two-week ceasefire agreement.

"In return for our support and expertise, Ukraine will receive numerous benefits. In some cases, these are interceptor systems to protect energy infrastructure; in other cases, they are financial agreements," he said, adding that Ukraine might also receive oil supplies.

Zelensky stated that Ukraine currently has the capacity to produce at least 2,000 interceptor drones daily. Kyiv requires half of these for defense missions, with the remainder available for transfer to partners and allies.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)