Ukrainian Military Experts Deployed to Counter Iranian Drones in the Gulf Region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Iran and Russia are cooperating in their military efforts, with Iranian-designed drones containing Russian components. In a speech to members of the UK Parliament in London on Tuesday, Zelenskyy announced that over 200 Ukrainian military experts are currently deployed in the Gulf region and wider Middle East to assist governments in countering Iranian drone attacks.

Zelenskyy also revealed that an additional 34 experts are prepared for deployment. He stated that these experts possess expertise in defending against Shahed drones, which have been used by Russia since 2022. The Ukrainian leader confirmed that teams from Ukraine are already present in the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and are en route to Kuwait.

Zelenskyy emphasized that agreements have been established with several countries for cooperation on defense matters. He expressed concern over the Iranian regime’s actions against its neighbors and stated that Ukraine does not want this situation to succeed.

In his address, Zelenskyy also discussed Russia’s acquisition of Shahed-136 drones from Iran, which he claimed had provided Russia with the technology to produce them. He noted that there is evidence suggesting that Iranian Shaheds contain Russian components.

Zelenskyy further stated that Ukraine has developed capabilities in drone warfare and manufacturing, including interceptors designed to target drones. According to Zelenskyy, 90% of Russian losses on the front lines in Ukraine are attributed to Ukrainian drones.

The Ukrainian leader also highlighted Ukraine’s ability to produce at least 2,000 interceptors per day, with half intended for its own defense and the remainder available for use by allies. He emphasized that Ukraine can effectively counter Iranian drone attacks in various regions, including the Emirates, Europe, or the UK.

In a separate development, London and Kyiv have signed a defense partnership agreement, which combines Ukraine’s expertise with the UK’s industrial base to manufacture and supply drones and innovative capabilities.

Source: Al Jazeera