Zelensky: U.S. and Middle Eastern Nations Request Ukraine’s Help to Guard Their Military Bases.

Kyiv Reaches Out to Middle Eastern Allies

According to Novyny.live: President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed that both Washington and several Middle Eastern countries have approached Ukraine to assist in protecting American military installations across the region. This appeal is part of a broader effort to strengthen security partnerships. The following nations have joined the initiative:

• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• United Arab Emirates
• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Kuwait

Cooperation with these states has already moved beyond discussion into practical implementation, signaling active security collaboration.

Air Defense Challenges

Zelensky emphasized that despite possessing modern air defense systems, they cannot ensure complete protection against large-scale drone attacks. This vulnerability is not unique to Ukraine but also affects the partner countries involved. The president highlighted the need for sharing air defense capabilities, noting that Ukraine’s defense industry is currently operating at only half its capacity.

“Right now, our defense industry is running at 50 percent capacity, and we require additional funding to produce drones for our own needs. That is why we are ready to sell surplus systems to our partners,” Volodymyr Zelensky stated.

Ukraine faces a shortfall in funding for its defense sector, compounding the difficulties. Zelensky also revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Ukraine’s offer to assist with drone defense. This decision reflects ongoing challenges in ensuring security for both Ukraine and American military bases in the region.

The outreach to Middle Eastern countries demonstrates Ukraine’s desire to bolster its defensive capabilities and explore new avenues for security cooperation.

“We want Middle Eastern nations to give us a chance to strengthen ourselves as well. They have certain air defense missiles that we lack. We would like to negotiate on that,” the Ukrainian president concluded.

This development underscores the growing importance of international security collaboration, especially amid rising drone threats. By pooling resources and expertise in air defense, Ukraine and Middle Eastern states could become a key force for regional stability and the protection of strategic assets. Such cooperation also opens new opportunities for Ukraine’s defense industry, potentially improving its financial outlook.