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

Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, announced that Kyiv will offer its drone‑defence knowledge to Gulf states battling Iranian attacks only if it receives funding and advanced technology in return.

• Three Ukrainian teams have already flown to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and a U.S. base in Jordan to demonstrate how drones can be intercepted.
• Zelenskiy stressed that Ukraine is not fighting Iran; it merely shares its expertise.

Future Deals and Funding

• Zelenskiy hinted at longer‑term agreements with Gulf countries.
• He emphasized the need for both financial support and cutting‑edge technology to keep Ukraine’s own air‑defence systems robust.
• While Kyiv successfully shoots down Russian drones nightly, it has also offered assistance to the U.S., Europe, and Africa.
• Former President Donald Trump dismissed the notion that Ukraine could help the U.S. with drone removal.

Contract Frustrations

• The president expressed frustration over the absence of a large drone‑technology contract with Washington, estimating it could be worth $35–$50 billion.
• He criticized unnamed Ukrainian firms and foreign governments for pursuing anti‑drone deals without Kyiv’s approval.

Concerns About Middle Eastern Conflict

• Zelenskiy warned that a drawn‑out Middle Eastern conflict could deplete Ukraine’s missile stockpiles.
• He urged the U.S. to keep its focus on Ukraine despite regional tensions.

Postponed Peace Talks

• 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 stated that if the U.S. wants to host the talks, Russia must agree.