Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has opened a new diplomatic front by offering military assistance to Middle Eastern countries facing attacks with Iranian drones, but made it clear that his government expects economic compensation and access to technology in exchange for this cooperation. According to the Argentine News Agency, Zelensky explained that Ukraine seeks to receive money and technology transfer if it participates with its experience in drone defense, a capability the country developed during the war with Russia. Kyiv has already sent teams of specialists to nations such as Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to advise on interception systems and electronic warfare. Ukraine's experience is particularly valuable because the country has been facing attacks with Iranian kamikaze drones for years—the same models that now concern several Middle Eastern governments. In this context, the Zelensky government is trying to position itself as a provider of technology and military training in a cooperation scheme that would include economic agreements and technological development. However, the initiative has also generated geopolitical tensions: Iranian authorities have warned that Ukraine could become a 'legitimate target' if its participation in defensive operations linked to the regional conflict is confirmed, increasing international tension amid the war with Russia.
