US and Mideast countries seek Kyiv’s drone expertise as Russia-Ukraine talks put on ice

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 3 min read 100% complete by By ILLIA NOVIKOV and HANNA ARHIROVAMarch 5, 2026 at 11:53 AM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

The United States and Middle Eastern countries are seeking drone defense expertise from Ukraine, specifically regarding Iranian Shahed drones. According to President Zelenskyy, several nations have contacted Ukraine for assistance in countering these drones, which Russia has used extensively in its war against Ukraine since its invasion four years ago. Zelenskyy stated that cooperation will only occur if it doesn't weaken Ukraine's defenses and strengthens Kyiv's diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Russia. The recent Iran war has diverted international attention from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to the postponement of U.S.-brokered peace talks that were scheduled this week. The Russia-Ukraine war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jordan 50% United Arab Emirates 50% Qatar 50% Bahrain 50% Shahed ×260% Kyiv ×270% Middle East 70% Iran ×380% Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×380% United States ×380% Russia ×490% Ukraine ×8100%

Keywords

drone expertise 90% russia-ukraine talks 80% iranian drones 80% shahed drones 70% ukraine defenses 60% diplomatic efforts 50% russian invasion 50% middle east 50% international attention 40%