Ukrainian drone experts set to be in Mid-East next week: Zelensky
The Straits Times
Mr Zelensky is seeking US air defence missiles in exchange for drone expertise. Read more at straitstimes.com.
KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 8 that Kyiv’s drone experts will be “on site” in the Middle East “next week”, as he seeks US air defence missiles in exchange for drone expertise.
Ukraine is facing a shortage of the expensive US PAC-3 air defence ammunition and Kyiv fears a longer Middle East war could disrupt supplies even further.
Mr Zelensky on March 3 offered US allies in the Middle East to swop some of their air defence missiles for Ukrainian drone interceptors, which he said would better protect them from Iranian drone attacks.
When asked how exactly he wants to help the United States and its Gulf allies repel the drones, Mr Zelensky said: “It is too early to say anything else at this stage.”
“I think that next week, when the experts are on site, they will look at the situation and help,” he added.
“We would very much like this to be an opportunity for both sides,” Mr Zelensky told a press conference after a meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
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