Zelenskyy: US Requests Ukrainian Assistance Against Iranian Drones in Middle East; Trump: Open to Aid from Any Country

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on March 5 that the United States had made a specific request for Ukraine's assistance in countering the threat posed by Iranian-designed Shahed drones in the Middle East region.

In a post on the social media platform X, Zelenskyy stated: "We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against 'Shaheds' in the Middle East region." He added that he had instructed relevant authorities to provide the necessary resources and to ensure the deployment of Ukrainian specialists capable of guaranteeing the required level of security.

US President Donald Trump, speaking to Reuters in a telephone interview on the same day, responded to questions about Ukraine's potential role by saying, "Certainly, I'll take any assistance from any country."

The development comes amid ongoing discussions between the US, Qatar, and Ukrainian officials regarding the possible procurement of Ukrainian-made interceptor drones. According to sources cited by Reuters, these talks aim to identify a cost-effective alternative for intercepting Iranian Shahed drones during the current Gulf conflict. The preliminary negotiations have involved government officials rather than private companies. Neither the US nor Qatar has commented publicly on the reports.

Zelenskyy has previously indicated that Ukraine has received similar requests from Middle Eastern countries and emphasized that any such cooperation would only proceed if it does not compromise Ukraine's own defense capabilities against Russia's ongoing invasion. He has also expressed willingness to explore barter arrangements, such as exchanging Ukrainian interceptor drones for air defense missiles.

Additional sources reported that a Ukrainian delegation visited Doha this week to share expertise on drone defense with Qatari officials. A separate delegation traveled to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Ukraine has developed significant operational experience in countering Shahed-type drones—low-cost, long-range unmanned aerial vehicles originally designed in Iran and widely used by Russia in its war against Ukraine—making Kyiv a sought-after partner for nations facing similar threats in the current Middle East crisis.