Zelenskiy discusses Iranian strikes with UAE and Qatar leaders, offers drone and missile expertise

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks to media after he shared an iftar, meal to break fast at sunset, during the holy month of Ramadan, with Ukrainian Muslim service members, near a mosque in Kyiv, Ukraine March 2, 2026. REUTERS/Alina Smutko

Riyadh, March 3, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Volodymyr Zelenskiy discussed Iranian strikes with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and said Ukrainian teams would work with both countries on measures aimed at protecting lives.

Zelenskiy said on X after his call with the UAE leader that Ukraine has expertise in countering drones and missiles and that teams would coordinate on how Ukraine can help in the situation. He also expressed solidarity with the UAE.

After speaking with the Qatari emir, Zelenskiy said Ukrainian and Qatari teams would remain in contact to determine how they could provide greater protection to people.

Officials in Kyiv have said Ukraine would be ready to send drone specialists to the Middle East to help counter Iranian drones if partners help broker a ceasefire in Ukraine’s war with Russia.

Zelenskiy also said on Tuesday that Ukraine would be open to exchanging interceptor drones to repel Iranian attacks in return for air defence missiles from Middle East allies.