Ukraine Seeks Pay and Tech for Drone Aid in the Middle East

Ukraine’s leader said the country will provide drone‑defence expertise to Gulf nations fighting Iranian attacks, but only if it receives money and technology in return. Three Ukrainian teams have already flown to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and a U. S. base in Jordan to show how drones can be stopped. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stressed that Ukraine is not fighting Iran and is merely sharing its knowledge. Zelenskiy added that future, longer‑term deals could be negotiated with these Gulf states. He highlighted the need for both funding and advanced technology to keep Ukraine’s own air‑defence systems strong. While Kyiv successfully shoots down Russian drones nightly, it has also offered help to the U. S. , Europe, and Africa. However, former President Donald Trump dismissed the idea that Ukraine could aid the U. S. in drone removal.The president expressed frustration over the lack of a large drone‑technology contract with Washington, which he estimates could be worth $35–$50 billion. He also criticized unnamed Ukrainian firms and foreign governments for pursuing anti‑drone deals without Kyiv’s approval. Zelenskiy warned that a drawn‑out Middle Eastern conflict could deplete Ukraine’s missile stockpiles. He urged the U. S. to keep focusing on Ukraine despite regional tensions. The planned peace talks among Moscow, Kyiv and Washington, originally set for the UAE, were postponed after recent U. S. and Israeli strikes on Iran sparked a new war in the area. The president said that if the U. S. wants to host the talks, Russia must agree.