Ukraine war briefing: drone experts will be in Middle East in coming days, says Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a team of drone specialists will travel to the Middle East next week, offering Ukraine's hard‑won experience against Iranian‑made Shahed drones in exchange for U.S. PAC‑3 air‑defence missiles. The move ties into broader arms‑production talks wi…
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters on Sunday that a delegation of Ukrainian drone experts will be deployed to the Middle East "next week." The mission is intended to showcase Kyiv's battlefield knowledge of Iranian‑made Shahed drones and to negotiate the transfer of U.S. PAC‑3 air‑defence missiles, which Ukraine says it is running short of as the war with Russia drags on.
Why Ukraine needs PAC‑3 missiles now
Since Russia began using Shahed‑type loitering munitions in large numbers, Ukraine has relied heavily on Western air‑defence systems to intercept them. The most effective of those systems, the U.S. Patriot and its PAC‑3 interceptor missiles, are costly and in limited supply. Kyiv has warned that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East—where similar drones are being used by Iran against its Gulf neighbours—could further strain the already tight logistics pipeline for these high‑value munitions.
Zelenskyy explained that the drone experts will assess the situation on the ground and propose concrete ways to help Gulf allies counter the same threats that have plagued Ukrainian cities. "It is too early to say anything else at this stage," he said, adding that the team will "look at the situation and help" once they arrive.
Ukraine‑Netherlands defence cooperation
During a visit to Kyiv on Sunday, Zelenskyy met with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. The two leaders discussed expanding joint arms production, with a particular focus on leveraging Ukraine's expertise in drone defence. The Netherlands is a key contributor to the European Peace Facility (PURL) that channels U.S. weapons to Kyiv, having pledged roughly $870 million to date.
Both sides said they would continue and broaden cooperation, examining investment levels and potential production volumes for weapons that could benefit both markets. The talks reflect a broader trend of European nations seeking to diversify their defence supply chains in response to the war in Ukraine.
Global arms flows and market dynamics
A recent Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report highlighted a near‑10 % rise in global weapons transfers over the past five years, with Europe now the largest recipient of arms worldwide. The surge is driven partly by European states buying weapons to re‑supply Ukraine and partly by a desire to bolster their own deterrent capabilities against Russia.
Analysts caution that Ukraine's growing reputation for drone‑defence technology could open new partnership opportunities, but it may also tighten an already stretched market for drones. Shaun Walker, the Guardian’s Central and Eastern Europe correspondent, warned that increased demand could limit the number of systems available to Kyiv itself.
Russian drone activity and broader geopolitical context
On the same day, Russia’s defence ministry reported intercepting 234 drones over central and southern regions, including six heading toward Moscow, during a nine‑hour window from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. No damage or casualties were reported. The statement underscores Russia’s continued reliance on unmanned aerial systems, a capability it has increasingly shared with allied states.
Meanwhile, the United States appears focused on other diplomatic fronts, including ongoing peace talks with Moscow and the fallout from a recent Iranian attack that has heightened tensions in the region. Zelenskyy’s outreach to the Gulf therefore arrives at a moment when Washington’s attention is divided, potentially complicating the timing of any missile deliveries.
What comes next
Ukrainian officials have not disclosed the exact composition of the expert team or the specific dates of their deployment. The success of the mission will likely hinge on whether the Gulf states see enough value in Ukraine’s battlefield insights to accelerate the provision of PAC‑3 missiles or other air‑defence assets.
For Kyiv, the stakes are high: securing additional interceptors could blunt the impact of Russian drone attacks and preserve critical infrastructure. For the Middle East, gaining access to proven counter‑drone tactics may help curb the spread of Iranian‑supplied loitering munitions that have already caused civilian casualties across the Gulf.
Why it matters
Ukraine's offer to share drone‑defence expertise could unlock critical U.S. air‑defence missiles, while also shaping new defence partnerships in a volatile Middle East.
Key points
- Zelenskyy announced a Ukrainian drone‑expert team will travel to the Middle East next week
- Ukraine seeks U.S. PAC‑3 missiles in exchange for its Shahed‑drone counter‑measures
- Joint arms‑production talks with the Netherlands aim to expand defence cooperation
- Global arms imports have risen nearly 10% in five years, making Europe the top arms recipient
- Russia reported intercepting 234 drones on the same day, highlighting ongoing UAV use
Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of Ukraine sending drone experts to the Middle East?
The team will assess the regional threat from Iranian‑made Shahed drones and offer Kyiv’s combat experience in exchange for U.S. PAC‑3 air‑defence missiles.
How does the Netherlands factor into Ukraine’s defence strategy?
The Netherlands is a major donor to the European Peace Facility that funds U.S. weapons for Ukraine and is discussing joint arms production and investment with Kyiv.
Why are PAC‑3 missiles especially important for Ukraine now?
PAC‑3 interceptors are among the most effective tools against Russian loitering munitions, and Ukraine faces shortages as supply lines tighten amid broader Middle East conflicts.
