Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that the United States had requested Ukraine’s help to counter Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East, and he had ordered expert support to be provided.
Kyiv has developed a range of inexpensive yet highly effective drone interceptors during Russia’s four-year invasion, capable of shooting down incoming attack drones mid-air. Zelensky said these interceptors are among the best in the world.
Earlier, he offered US allies in the Middle East a swap: some of their air defence missiles in exchange for Ukraine’s interceptors, which could improve protection against Iranian "Shahed" drones—the same type used by Russia against Ukrainian targets.
“We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against ‘shaheds’ in the Middle East region,” Zelensky confirmed on X. He added that Ukrainian specialists and equipment would be deployed to guarantee the required security.
Despite providing assistance, Zelensky faced criticism from US President Donald Trump, who accused him of obstructing peacemaking efforts in Ukraine. In an interview with Politico, Trump said, “Zelensky… has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done,” claiming the Ukrainian leader had fewer cards in negotiations than Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Trump, who had pledged to end the Ukraine war on his first day in office in January 2025, acknowledged that progress had been difficult, with Russia continuing its attacks.
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