Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is leveraging battlefield innovation to strengthen international alliances, offering Ukraine’s advanced anti-drone technology to Middle Eastern partners. This move comes as Ukraine continues to seek increased air-defense support while its conflict with Russia extends into a fourth year.
During a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Friday, Zelenskyy discussed potential agreements with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussions centered on Ukraine supplying its state-of-the-art counter-drone systems in exchange for ballistic missile support and financial assistance.
In a comprehensive interview with Fox News following the talks, Zelenskyy elaborated on how Ukraine’s innovative defense technologies, particularly its anti-Russian drone systems, are shaping global defense collaborations.
“We have, for example, drone interceptors, a system of electronic warfare, and several other technologies—all working together as one integrated system. This is something unique to us,” Zelenskyy explained to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn in Abu Dhabi.
Ukraine is now collaborating with at least four Persian Gulf countries—namely the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia—as these nations face increasing threats from Iran’s expanding drone capabilities.
Ukraine is now sharing elements of that system with at least four Persian Gulf nations — the UAE, Qatar, Jordan and Saudi Arabia — as they confront growing threats from Iran’s drone capabilities.
But Zelenskyy emphasized the partnership must be reciprocal. Ukraine continues to face a “big deficit” of critical air defense weapons, particularly PAC-3 Patriot missiles used to intercept ballistic threats.
“We are ready to help Middle East countries with our expertise and with our knowledge, and we hope … that they can help with anti-ballistic missiles,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine has already signed 10-year defense agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with a similar deal with the UAE expected soon, according to the AP.
A plume of smoke rises from the site of a strike in Tehran early on March 28, 2026. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)
Zelenskyy also warned that increasing U.S. military focus on the Middle East — amid escalating tensions with Iran and the ongoing “Operation Epic Fury” — could slow the flow of weapons to Ukraine.
He claimed Russia is already strengthening Iran’s military by sharing drone technology, including Shahed “kamikaze” drones, as well as battlefield tactics developed during the war.
“Russia will share all they know about this war … They’re already sharing with Iranians,” Zelenskyy said.
While he stopped short of confirming missile transfers, Zelenskyy suggested Moscow has a strategic interest in prolonging instability in the Middle East to divert U.S. attention away from Ukraine.
“This is what they do,” Zelenskyy said.
On the battlefield, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine will not cede territory in the contested Donbas region, arguing it would weaken defenses, damage troop morale and displace tens of thousands of civilians.
“I think their morale will decrease,” Zelenskyy said.
He also urged the Trump administration not to lose sight of Ukraine while addressing Middle East tensions.
Destroyed homes after a Russian drone attack March 28 in Odesa, Ukraine. (Viacheslav Onyshchenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
More than 270 Russian drones struck Ukraine overnight Friday, leaving at least five people dead, Ukrainian officials said Saturday, according to AP.
“I hope that President Trump … will find a way to end this war with pressure on the Iranian regime, and I hope that also they will not forget about … the war of Russia against Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said.
