️ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the United States has requested assistance from Ukraine in defending against Iranian drones. He noted that Ukraine's partners have been reaching out and there have been “requests from the American side”. Zelensky said he had given instructions “to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security”.
️ When asked about the Ukrainian offer, US President Donald Trump reportedly said: “I’ll take any assistance from any country.” However, Zelensky had earlier made clear that Ukraine would help only on condition that its own defence is not weakened and that it brings diplomatic gains for Kyiv. He suggested, in particular, that Ukraine is willing to swap its interceptor drones for more US Patriot air defence systems to protect against Russian ballistic missiles.
️ The war in the Middle East has raised fears that Ukraine could suffer if its allies are distracted by the conflict. There have also been concerns about a potential shortage of interceptor missiles and Russia benefiting from rising oil prices, the proceeds from which are a key source of funding for its war effort. Zelensky has acknowledged these risks but also appears keen to take advantage of the crisis to further Ukraine’s national interest.
️ He has spoken to counterparts across the Gulf – in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait – and is promising what he calls “concrete steps” to help them defend their military bases and civilian infrastructure from Iranian attack. Zelensky said on social media: “It is clear what their main request to Ukraine is.” “Anyone who has faced Iranian strikes encounters a serious challenge – Shaheds, which are difficult to intercept without the proper expertise and adequate weapons.” He added: “It is in our common interest to help people defend themselves and to restore stability in critically important supply routes.”
️ Any help from Ukraine will be qualified. Zelensky said in his social media post: “Of course, any assistance we provide will only be on the condition that it does not weaken our own defence in Ukraine and that it serves as an investment in our diplomatic capabilities.” Ihor Fedirko, head of the Ukrainian Council of Defence Industry, told the BBC that Ukraine could scale up interceptor-drone production to up to 10,000 a month. However, he emphasized that any discussion of deliveries to partners abroad would require political approval at the highest level in Ukraine.
Source: www.bbc.com