Iran war: Zelensky grants US request for Ukraine to help with defence against Iranian drone attacks in Middle East

Ukraine has agreed to assist the United States in strengthening defenses against Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy confirmed that United States had requested technical support to counter Iranian-designed drones used in regional attacks.

The Ukrainian leader said he had authorized the deployment of Ukrainian drone defense specialists and technology support to assist U.S. allies in the Middle East.

Ukraine has developed advanced low-cost drone interception systems during its ongoing conflict with Russia, which has used similar unmanned aerial vehicles in its military operations against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Zelenskyy revealed that Kyiv had received requests for protection against “Shahed” drones, Iranian-designed unmanned aerial vehicles widely used in regional conflicts.

On Tuesday, Zelenskyy also proposed a defense technology exchange with Middle East allies, suggesting they could swap some air defense missiles for Ukrainian-built interceptor drones, which he said are highly effective against aerial attacks.

“We received a request from the United States for specific protection support against ‘Shaheds’ in the Middle East region,” Zelenskyy said on social media platform X.

The request follows ongoing tensions involving Iran, whose drone technology has been linked to attacks across the region as well as in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukraine has itself been under frequent drone bombardments, with attacks targeting residential areas, civilian infrastructure, and energy facilities across Ukrainian territory.

Following Zelenskyy’s announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington would accept assistance from any country capable of strengthening regional security.

“Certainly, I will take any assistance from any country,” Trump said in a media interview.

The diplomatic and military collaboration comes after escalating conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran, which has significantly increased global military spending and security concerns.

Meanwhile, Trump also criticized Zelenskyy’s approach to peace negotiations, urging the Ukrainian leader to accelerate diplomatic efforts to end the war with Russia.

“Zelenskyy has to get on the ball and get a deal done,” Trump said, suggesting that Ukraine is negotiating from a weaker strategic position while adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared more open to negotiations.

Trump had previously promised to help end the Ukraine war within his first day in office in 2025, though the conflict has continued despite ongoing diplomatic pressure.

Russia has maintained its military offensive against Ukraine, continuing missile and drone strikes across multiple regions of the country.