US asked Ukraine for support in drone protection in Middle East: Zelenskyy

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has ordered expert support after receiving a request from the US to help counter Iranian drones. Advertisement World US asked Ukraine for support in drone protection in Middle East: Zelenskyy Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has ordered expert support after receiving a request from the US to help counter Iranian drones. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses the audience during a session at the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb 14, 2026. (Photo: AP/Michael Probst) 06 Mar 2026 04:59AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST KYIV: The United States asked Ukraine for help to fend off Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday (Mar 5), adding that he had ordered expert support to be given.During Russia's four-year invasion, Kyiv has developed a range of cheap and effective drone interceptors - aerial craft designed to hit incoming attack drones mid-air - that it says are world-leading.Zelenskyy on Tuesday offered US allies in the Middle East a swap of some of their air defence missiles in exchange for those interceptors, which he said would better protect them from Iranian drone attacks."We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against 'shaheds' in the Middle East region," Zelenskyy confirmed on X on Thursday, referring to the Iranian-designed drones also used by Russia.Ukraine has been facing a near-daily pummelling with such drones, launched from Russia and targeting residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including its energy sites."I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security," he added. Related: Iran claims control of key waterway for energy transit Despite Washington's plea, US President Donald Trump on Thursday accused Zelenskyy of stalling his peace-making efforts in Ukraine, returning to the language he used during their tense White House meeting a year ago."Zelenskyy, he has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done," Trump said in an interview with Politico."It's unthinkable that he's the obstacle," Trump was quoted as saying. "You don't have the cards. Now he's got even less cards."Trump vowed to end the Ukraine war on his first day in office in January 2025 but has acknowledged that he has found the goal difficult, with Russia keeping up attacks on Ukraine. Related: British PM says UK to send more fighter jets to Gulf, relationship with US 'still special' Spain to send its most advanced frigate to Cyprus after drone strike Source: AFP/fs Sign up for our newsletters Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox Subscribe here Get the CNA app Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories Download here Get WhatsApp alerts Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app Join here Related Topics Volodymyr Zelenskyy United States Iran Advertisement Also worth reading Content is loading... Advertisement Expand to read the full story Get bite-sized news via a newcards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST