Kyiv, April 10, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukrainian soldiers have successfully repelled Iranian drone attacks targeting Gulf states, marking an expansion of Kyiv’s military cooperation amid its ongoing war with Russia.
The revelation underscores Ukraine’s growing role in countering Iranian-made drones, which have been widely used by Russia in its four-year invasion of Ukraine. Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian military experts have been deployed to the region to assist Gulf nations in defending against these attacks.
Ukrainian Expertise in Countering Iranian Drones
Ukraine has developed significant expertise in neutralizing Iranian Shahed drones, which Russia has deployed extensively in its war against the country. According to Zelenskyy, this experience has now been leveraged to aid Gulf states facing similar threats from Iran.
The Iranian drones have been used by Tehran in retaliatory strikes against neighboring countries in the Persian Gulf, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Ukrainian specialists are working alongside the armed forces of these nations to enhance their defensive capabilities.
Kyiv’s involvement in the region is part of a broader strategic exchange. Ukrainian companies will collaborate with Gulf states to protect critical infrastructure, while Ukraine will receive air defense ammunition and oil in return. This arrangement highlights the mutual benefits of the partnership amid ongoing global tensions.