Ukraine Aids Middle East in Iran Drone Defense

0:00You're listening to Global News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelinsky says his country is assisting five Middle East and Gulf nations and defending against Iranian drone attacks. Teams from Ukraine have provided expert advice and are helping build defense systems in places like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. Ukraine has also become a top producer of affordable drone interceptors thanks to years of battling similar threats from Russia. These efforts build on Ukraine's real-world experience, countering Shahed drones, the same type Iran supplies to Moscow. 228 Ukrainian specialists are now active in the region, protecting civilians and key sites. Zelinsky noted the United States and several European countries have asked for similar support for their forces there. The move comes as Ukraine's eyes swaps for advanced missiles. It desperately needs against Russian strikes. But supplies are strained by the wider Iran conflict and former President Trump recently

1:03dismissed Ukraine's offer of drone help. Meanwhile, Kiev worries international focus on the Middle East is sidelineing its own war. Zelensky sent a delegation to the United States this week to restart stall trilateral peace talks with Russia, mediated by Washington. A top Kremlin official hinted a new round could happen soon, though Western leaders accused Moscow of stalling to gain ground. Russian now controls nearly 20 percent of Ukraine. As spring weather aids potential Russian advances, Ukraine claims its recent counter strikes have thrown off enemy plans, keeping the pressure on both.