Ukrainian leader Zelensky revealed that the U.S. and Ukraine's allies have requested assistance in defending against Iranian drone attacks. Zelensky said he has ordered the necessary resources to be prepared.
On 5 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that the United States has asked Ukraine to help protect U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf from Iranian drone attacks, amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East with no signs of easing.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine's allies have reached out, and the U.S. has made a formal request. He has ordered the preparation of necessary resources and ensured that Ukrainian experts capable of guaranteeing required security will be deployed to assist.
Separately, a reporter asked then-U.S. President Donald Trump about Ukraine's offer, to which he responded, “I welcome assistance from any country.”
Previously, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine's assistance would come with conditions: Ukraine’s own defense must not be weakened, and there must be diplomatic benefits returned to Kyiv.
He specifically suggested that Ukraine is willing to trade its interceptor drones in exchange for the U.S. Patriot air defense system to be deployed in Ukraine to help defend against Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, the Middle East war has raised concerns that Ukraine might be affected if allies shift focus to this new conflict. There are also worries about shortages of interceptor missiles and that Russia might benefit from rising oil prices, which serve as a key funding source for its war efforts.
Zelensky acknowledges these risks but appears eager to leverage the crisis to advance Ukraine’s national interests.
In recent days, Zelensky has spoken with leaders in the Persian Gulf region—including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait—promising what he called "concrete steps" to help protect their military bases and civilian infrastructure from Iranian attacks.
“It is clear what their main request from Ukraine is,” Zelensky said via social media. “Anyone facing attacks from Iran encounters severe challenges, specifically the Shahed drones, which are difficult to intercept without proper expertise and sufficient weapons.”
The Ukrainian leader added, “It is our shared interest to help people learn self-defense and to restore stability to vital supply routes.”
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Source:bbc