Zelenskiy Offers Ukraine's Anti‑Drone Expertise to Saudi Crown Prince Amid Middle East Tensions

March 7 (Reuters) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday he spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about developments in Iran and the wider Middle East, and he reiterated Kyiv's offer to help counter Iranian-designed drones.

Ukraine Proposes Practical Support Against Shahed Drones

"Ukraine has been fighting Iranian-designed 'Shaheds' for years, and everyone recognizes that no other country in the world has comparable experience," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram after the call. He said Kyiv is ready to provide specialists to help detect, track and mitigate these weapons, and expects reciprocal support for Ukrainian personnel.

FILE PHOTO: A visitor of an exhibition takes a photo of parts of an Iranian made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) Shahed-131/136, which was launched on Ukrainian territories, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 27, 2025. REUTERS/Alina Smutko/File Photo

Zelenskiy added that he had also spoken this week with leaders from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates as part of broader diplomatic consultations on regional security.

Ukraine has endured regular Shahed strikes during its four-year war with Russia and says that operational experience has given it practical know-how in countering these drones. Kyiv previously offered to send specialists to assist the United States and other partners in addressing the threat.

We are ready to help and expect that our people will also receive the necessary support.

Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; Editing by Rod Nickel.