Middle Eastern countries are ‘surprised’ by aid to Ukraine

The Gulf countries were surprised by the scale of assistance Ukraine provides them in countering Iranian drones, despite being under daily attacks itself. This was stated on March 5, 2026, by the head of European Union diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, before an online meeting of EU foreign ministers and Gulf states.

The statement was made in Brussels against the backdrop of growing tensions in the Middle East and an increase in drone attacks in the region. According to Kallas, Ukraine’s experience in combating Iranian drones is becoming in demand far beyond the European theater of war.

Why Gulf countries are turning to Ukraine

Kaja Kallas reported that European diplomacy recommends that regional states actively establish contacts with Kyiv and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The reason is simple: the Ukrainian army has accumulated unique practical experience in combating Iranian Shahed-type strike drones, which are actively used by Russia against Ukrainian cities.

According to Kallas, during phone conversations with representatives of the Gulf countries, she noticed that they were genuinely surprised by the scale of assistance from Ukraine.

“I spoke with the states of the region, and they were very surprised at how much Ukraine helps them in this matter, despite being constantly under attack itself,” noted the head of European diplomacy.

Ukrainian technologies against drones

One of the topics of discussion at the ministers’ meeting will be the use of Ukrainian technologies to counter drones.

During the war, Ukraine developed a number of effective solutions — from detection systems to drone interception methods. These technologies and tactical approaches are now of interest to countries that also face the threat of Iranian drones.

In fact, it is about forming a new security line between Ukraine and Middle Eastern states.

Experts note that many countries in the region are now considering the possibility of cooperation with Ukrainian specialists who already have real combat experience in dealing with such attacks.

Cooperation can become mutual

Kaja Kallas suggested that cooperation between Ukraine and the Gulf countries may gradually shift from one-sided assistance to a more mutual model.

According to her, previously, support mainly went in the direction of helping Ukraine from international partners. However, the situation is gradually changing.

“Perhaps until now the support was more one-sided, but now this may change,” said Kallas.

This format of cooperation may include technology exchange, expert support, and coordination of efforts in the security sphere.

Impact of the Middle East crisis on the war in Ukraine

At the same time, the head of EU diplomacy warned: the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East directly affects the situation around Ukraine.

The main problem is limited defense resources, primarily air defense systems.

If earlier most of these systems were directed to Ukraine, now similar means are required to protect Middle Eastern countries.

According to Kallas, this creates additional pressure on the supply chains of weapons and defense technologies.

It is not only about air defense systems but also about ammunition, missiles, and drone detection means.

Zelensky offers assistance to regional countries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that Kyiv is ready to send specialists to help Middle Eastern countries protect against Iranian drone attacks.

According to him, Ukrainian military personnel have the necessary competencies and can help strengthen the protection of the civilian population and critical infrastructure.

Zelensky also emphasized that Ukrainian teams are already negotiating the possible work of specialists directly in the region.

Such assistance may include consultations, training of local units, and participation in the creation of drone countermeasures systems.

These processes show how the war in Ukraine gradually affects the security architecture far beyond Europe.

It is this new geopolitical context, where the experience of the Ukrainian army begins to be used in the Middle East, that is regularly analyzed by NAnews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency, tracking how modern warfare technologies and the fight against Iranian drones are forming new international alliances and cooperation in the security sphere.