Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s systematic approach to combating drone attacks and its readiness to share this experience with Middle Eastern countries during his visit to Saudi Arabia on March 27. He highlighted that drone attacks have become a key challenge for many nations, and Ukraine’s experience in countering this threat is of strategic importance.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Ukraine Strengthens Cooperation with Middle Eastern Countries
Zelensky noted that Russia is shifting its focus from mass production and use of ballistic weapons to large-scale drone attacks, as this is cheaper and more effective for destroying critical infrastructure. In this regard, Ukrainian experts are ready to assist in protecting civilian objects and populations in Middle Eastern states.
“We see programs for the application and production (of weapons) in Russia – there is a shift from mass ballistic production and use to large-scale drone attacks – it is cheaper and can destroy critical infrastructure. Therefore, our experience is very important. Russia is certainly assisting Iran, and Ukraine provides precise expertise to Middle Eastern countries for the protection of civilian infrastructure and people,” the president said in an interview with ICTV for the ‘Unified Marathon’.
According to the president, providing expert support to Middle Eastern countries allows Ukraine to address its own strategic issues, including fuel supply concerns. Zelensky pointed out the problem of diesel fuel shortages, which is relevant for Ukraine, and assured that the government is working on a solution.
Ukrainian Specialists Help Strengthen Regional Defense
The president also reported on two important meetings held in Saudi Arabia, the outcomes of which are positive for Ukraine. The details of the negotiations are not disclosed due to the cautious stance of Eastern partners regarding ballistic threat countermeasures.
On March 26, Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia for a series of important meetings that had not been previously reported. At the beginning of March, he stated that Ukraine is ready to help Middle Eastern countries organize defenses against attacks from Iran, and Ukrainian specialists are already working in this direction directly in the region.
As of mid-March, there are 201 Ukrainian experts in the Middle East and Persian Gulf focused on countering Iranian “Shahed” drones, with another 34 specialists ready to join the mission. The Ukrainian team is actively working in Saudi Arabia, helping to strengthen counter-drone defense.
The president also proposed a “quiet exchange” format to Middle Eastern countries – Ukraine provides expert assistance, and in return, expects to receive missiles for air defense systems.