Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has recently toured the Middle East in response to the current war in Iran to provide strategic consulting, help intercept Iranian drones, and send military personnel to offer guidance. Zelenskyy aims to “promote Ukraine military expertise across the middle east region following the outbreak of the US-Israel war on Iran,” Reuters says.  

Ukraine has reportedly assisted several Middle Eastern states in intercepting Iranian drones, drawing on its battlefield experience from the war with Russia. According to Reuters, relations with countries such as Syria are being actively strengthened, with discussions focusing on security and defense, as well as the broader impact of the conflict with Iran on regional energy systems and infrastructure. It can be inferred that Syria’s interest and willingness to collaborate with Kyiv stems from their lack of an air defense system capable of dealing with Iranian drones.  

Zelenskyy’s approach—often described as “drone diplomacy”—centers on exporting Ukraine’s wartime knowledge to countries facing similar aerial threats. Ukraine has emphasized that it is now a leading producer of low-cost, effective, and battle-tested drone interceptors, which have proven critical in defending against Russian attacks. 

“We are helping strengthen their security in exchange for contributions to our country’s resilience,” Zelensky said. “This is far more than simply receiving money.” Within the past month, Ukraine has established 10-year agreements with three countries, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, in order to help secure Ukraine’s own energy and infrastructure. These strategic alignments are aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s energy stability through oil and diesel imports. In turn, Ukraine has leveraged its own position as a major global grain producer by agreeing to export to nations such as Syria, in the hopes of alleviating food insecurity. 

By leveraging mutually beneficial trade and strategic agreements, Zelenskyy has successfully established stronger relations in the Middle East, despite criticism from Donald Trump, who claimed that Ukraine has little to offer in the Iran conflict. During a press conference on March 13, Trump stated that Zelenskyy was the “last person we need help from,” dismissing Ukraine’s offer of drone defense assistance. However, Zelenskyy directly refuted this claim, noting that more than ten countries have already requested Kyiv’s expertise, with specialists deployed to support these nations. 

Continued collaboration and effort on everyone’s part is necessary. While it is clear that drone diplomacy has strengthened Ukraine’s ties with regional actors, it is essential that it continues to expand beyond this strategy to remain relevant in the long term. Clear guidelines should also be put in place to ensure Ukraine’s security, as any misstep in drone-related advisory roles could damage relations and undermine trust. 

It appears that Kyiv is repositioning itself as a provider of security rather than solely a recipient of support. While it remains unclear whether these new partnerships will require countries to provide direct support to Ukraine in its war, what stands out is the diplomatic approach being taken in these negotiations. The emphasis on cooperation, mutual benefit, and strategic discussion reflects a shift in how Ukraine is engaging with the international community. 

To conclude, Ukraine is effectively taking advantage of an opportunity to build long-term relationships rather than simply maintaining short-term relevance. Moving forward, alongside its efforts to strengthen defense systems, Ukraine should continue to prioritize diplomacy and advocate for peaceful resolutions as a first step. By doing so, it can balance its growing security role with a commitment to stability and international cooperation.