Ukraine to help U.S. protect Gulf allies from Iranian drone attacks

The U.S. asked Ukraine for help in defending Gulf state allies against Iranian drone attacks, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. 

Drone warfare has played a central role in Ukraine’s four-year-old war against Russia, and the Ukrainian military has been at the forefront of developing new drone technologies and strategies. 

Following requests from U.S. officials, Zelensky said he ordered his military “to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security.” But the Ukrainian leader stressed that he would help only under the condition that its own defense was not weakened.

Asked about the Ukrainian offer, President Donald Trump said, “I’ll take any assistance from any country.”

The U.S. and Israel are not using drones as a central part of their offensive action against Tehran and other Iranian cities. But Iran has aggressively employed drones in its retaliation against Israel and at least six other allied states in the Gulf region.

It is not clear from initial reports when the collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine will begin.