Ukraine sends advisers to Gulf as it counterattacks Russian forces in south

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by John T PsaropoulosMarch 20, 2026 at 09:18 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Ukraine has sent over 200 experts to Gulf countries like the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait to assist in defending against Iranian drones, with plans to send more. This move stems from the cooperation between Russia and Iran, as the Shahed-type drones used by Iran against Gulf states are the same ones supplied to and produced by Russia. Ukraine has gained significant expertise in countering these drones, having shot down over 44,700 during the war with Russia and is now offering its knowledge and technology, including interceptor drones, to allies. President Zelenskyy has also offered to protect British bases in Cyprus from Iranian drone attacks. The Gulf states are vulnerable due to their focus on high-altitude missile defense systems, while Ukraine offers a cost-effective solution with its drone interceptors.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 30% Mykhailo Fedorov 30% General Cherry 30% UK 40% Saudi Arabia 50% United Arab Emirates (UAE) 50% Qatar 50% Kuwait 50% Iran ×470% Volodymyr Zelenskyy ×470% Russia ×580% Ukraine ×1090%

Keywords

ukraine 100% drones 90% anti-drone defense 80% iran 70% russia 70% gulf countries 70% shahed drones 60% military technology 50% interceptor drones 50% defense systems 40%