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Zelenskyy says Ukraine is using drone expertise to help 5 countries against Iran attacks
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Zelenskyy says Ukraine is using drone expertise to help 5 countries against Iran attacks

#Ukraine #Zelenskyy #drone expertise #Iran attacks #international cooperation #defense #security

📌 Key Takeaways

  • Ukraine is sharing its drone expertise with five countries to counter Iranian attacks.
  • President Zelenskyy announced the initiative as part of Ukraine's international cooperation.
  • The assistance aims to enhance defense capabilities against Iranian drone threats.
  • This move strengthens Ukraine's role as a key player in global security.

📖 Full Retelling

Ukraine is also looking into whether it can have a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, according to Zelenskyy.

🏷️ Themes

International Security, Military Cooperation

📚 Related People & Topics

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine since 2019

Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy (born 25 January 1978) is a Ukrainian politician and former entertainer who has served as the sixth president of Ukraine since 2019. He took office five years after the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War with Russia's annexation of Crimea and invasion of the Donbas, ...

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Ukraine

Ukraine

Country in Eastern Europe

# Ukraine **Ukraine** is a country located in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest country in Europe by area, after Russia. Known for its extensive fertile plains, the nation serves as a critical global exporter of grain and is considered a middle power in international affairs. ## Geography a...

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Connections for Volodymyr Zelenskyy:

🌐 Ukraine 33 shared
🌐 Russia 12 shared
🌐 List of wars involving Ukraine 10 shared
🌐 Jordan 4 shared
👤 Vladimir Putin 4 shared
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Mentioned Entities

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine since 2019

Ukraine

Ukraine

Country in Eastern Europe

Deep Analysis

Why It Matters

This development matters because it represents a significant shift in Ukraine's international role from recipient to provider of military assistance, particularly in drone warfare where they've gained extensive battlefield experience. It strengthens Ukraine's diplomatic ties with countries threatened by Iran, potentially creating a coalition of nations with shared security concerns. The move also demonstrates how warfare innovations developed in one conflict can rapidly transfer to other global security challenges, affecting regional balances of power in the Middle East and beyond.

Context & Background

  • Ukraine has developed extensive drone warfare capabilities through its defense against Russia's invasion since 2022, becoming a global leader in adapting commercial drones for military use
  • Iran has been accused of supplying drones to Russia for use against Ukraine, creating a direct connection between the two conflicts
  • Several Middle Eastern countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf states have faced drone and missile attacks from Iranian proxies in recent years
  • Ukraine previously announced the 'Drone Coalition' initiative in February 2024 to coordinate international drone support for its own defense
  • The development marks a reversal from Ukraine's traditional position as an arms importer to becoming an exporter of military expertise

What Happens Next

We can expect increased drone technology transfers and training programs between Ukraine and the unnamed partner countries in coming months. This will likely lead to enhanced drone defense capabilities against Iranian attacks in the Middle East region. The collaboration may expand to include joint development of counter-drone systems, with potential announcements at upcoming security conferences or bilateral meetings. Ukraine might also seek reciprocal security guarantees or political support from these countries in international forums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries is Ukraine helping with drone expertise?

The specific countries haven't been named in this announcement, but they are likely Middle Eastern nations that have faced Iranian drone attacks, potentially including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, or Jordan based on regional security patterns.

Why would Ukraine help other countries while still fighting Russia?

Ukraine gains diplomatic leverage, potential reciprocal support, and strengthens international alliances by sharing its hard-earned expertise. This also positions Ukraine as a security partner rather than just an aid recipient on the global stage.

What kind of drone expertise does Ukraine possess?

Ukraine has developed extensive knowledge in adapting commercial drones for reconnaissance and attack, creating effective counter-drone systems, and developing swarm tactics through practical battlefield experience against Russian forces.

How does this relate to Iran supplying drones to Russia?

There's direct symmetry—Iran provides drones used against Ukraine, so Ukraine now provides anti-drone expertise to countries facing Iranian attacks. This creates a strategic counter-pressure against Iran's regional influence.

Will this affect Ukraine's own drone supplies?

Ukraine will likely share knowledge and tactics rather than physical equipment, preserving its own drone stocks while establishing itself as a center for drone warfare innovation and training.

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Original Source
By — Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press Hanna Arhirova, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Zelenskyy says Ukraine is using drone expertise to help 5 countries against Iran attacks World Mar 20, 2026 10:09 AM EDT KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials are helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter attacks on their territory by Iranian drones, while the United States and European countries are among others who have requested support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday. READ MORE: Trump's failed strong-arming of allies on Iran shows that pressure is losing its effect Ukraine is also looking into whether it can have a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, he said. Ukraine has become one of the world's leading producers of cutting-edge, battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective. They play a key part in its defense against Russia's more than 4-year-old full-scale invasion. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. "Our teams are already working with five countries on countering (Iran's) 'Shahed' drones — we have provided expert assessments and are helping build a defense system," Zelenskyy said on X. Zelenskyy has previously said he hoped to provide expertise to Arab Gulf countries targeted by Iranian Shahed drones, versions of which are heavily used by Moscow's invading forces, in exchange for advanced air defense missiles that Ukraine needs to counter devastating Russian aerial attacks. Kyiv fears it will get fewer of the sophisticated missiles it needs to fend off the Russian strikes as the Iran war burns through stockpiles. Ukrainian expertise helps protect civilian and critical infrastructure Rustem ...
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