Ukraine to Deploy Drone Experts to Middle East, Seeks Patriot Missile Aid
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukraine will send drone warfare experts to the Middle East “next week,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday, as Kyiv seeks to leverage its hard-won technological experience and, in turn, secure crucial missile supplies for its own defense.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, Zelenskyy indicated the deployment was in response to an unspecified need for expertise in countering drone technology. “I think next week, when the experts are on the ground, they will look at the situation and help,” he said, offering no further details.
The move underscores Ukraine’s ambition to translate its battlefield experience – particularly in combating Iran-designed drones widely used by Russia – into a valuable asset on the international stage. Since the full-scale Russian invasion began, Ukraine has become adept at both defending against and deploying unmanned aerial vehicles, effectively replacing traditional military hardware in many instances.
Zelenskyy expressed hope for a reciprocal arrangement, hinting at a desire for Patriot missile systems in exchange for its drone expertise. Ukraine relies heavily on these American-made systems for air defense against Russian missile attacks.
“We would like it to be a win-win opportunity,” Zelenskyy stated.
As of Sunday, neither the United States nor Gulf nations had publicly confirmed requesting assistance from Ukraine.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could divert international attention and, crucially, diminish the flow of aid to Ukraine. Zelenskyy warned that reduced focus translates to reduced support. “Less attention means less support. Less support means less air defense, and you know what that means for us,” he said.
Prime Minister Jetten’s visit to Kyiv, his first official trip to the country, also addressed the escalating tensions between Ukraine and Hungary over oil imports, according to Dutch media reports. The two leaders laid a wreath together, a gesture of solidarity as Ukraine continues to fight for its sovereignty.
Zelenskyy shared his gratitude for the visit on X (formerly Twitter):
https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2030625468915777783
The joint statement signed by Zelenskyy and Jetten further solidifies the Netherlands’ commitment to Ukraine. https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMimwFBVV95cUxPaHJoS1dfSTgweVl3Z3RrekpYd3BWYW5yTmNka2RRbHJsYlIzTDV6NXlVWTlUX18tNEwwREh0cUg0eFZOSWZkakU1bmxnMTJRV2pERUdOenRVSGxiWVJURXJnX0lmNGpXYXQ1T1dDMDJ5WXNnejVadElqMFpKb3JqbVdjWnppM1RsRDJTYkdlNHlSNU1zaWFCSms5VQ?oc=5
