Kathmandu — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine has deployed more than 200 military specialists to the Middle East to help defend against Iranian drone attacks, according to media reports.
Zelenskyy said 201 Ukrainian military experts have been deployed, while an additional 34 personnel are ready for deployment.
Ukraine Provides Interceptor Drones and Technical Support
According to reports, Ukraine has sent interceptor drones and a team of specialists to support the protection of U.S. military bases, including a facility in Jordan. Zelenskyy said the deployment followed a request from the United States, with Ukrainian personnel dispatched shortly after.
Ukraine developed these interceptor drones during its war with Russia. The drones are designed to collide with incoming drones mid-air to destroy them. Iranian Shahed drones, which cost less than $50,000, have been used in attacks across the region.
The United States and Israel have been using interceptor missiles costing hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars to shoot them down. This cost difference has created challenges in countering drone attacks.
Ongoing Conflict and Strategic Context
Following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, Iran has carried out retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries. Missile attacks are being intercepted by U.S. and Israeli air defense systems, but reports indicate that stopping drone attacks has been more difficult.
Iran had previously supplied Shahed drones to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine. Russia is now producing similar drones and using them in attacks. Ukraine’s support to the United States comes amid ongoing conflict.
Reports indicate that Ukraine expects continued support from the United States, particularly in relation to future negotiations regarding the war with Russia.
