Finance
Ukraine Deploys 228 Specialists to Middle East, Discussing 'serious Agreements'
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 20, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 20, 2026
Quick Summary
Ukraine has dispatched 228 drone‑defence specialists to the Middle East—particularly to Gulf states and US bases—to help counter Iranian Shahed drone threats, while advancing talks with the US on a broad drone-related agreement.
Ukraine Deploys 228 Specialists for Middle East Drone Defence Collaborations
Ukrainian Initiatives in International Drone Defence
Deployment of Specialists to Middle Eastern Countries
KYIV, March 20 (Reuters) - Kyiv has deployed 228 specialists to help Middle Eastern countries with drone defence, and is working with Middle Eastern leaders to sign "serious agreements," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday.
Collaboration with the United States
Ongoing Bilateral Document Negotiations
Zelenskiy also told reporters that Ukrainian and U.S. working groups would continue work on bilateral documents between Kyiv and Washington and discuss a wide-ranging drone deal at a meeting in the U.S. at the weekend.
Upcoming U.S. Meeting and Drone Deal Discussions
(Reporting by Olena Harmash, writing by Max Hunder; Editing by Aidan Lewis)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine’s 228 specialists are deployed across Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia and potentially Jordan and Kuwait to bolster regional drone‑defence.
- •Kyiv is leveraging its low‑cost, combat‑tested counter‑drone tech—developed against Shahed drones—for diplomatic and material support, including air‑defence missiles.
- •Ukraine and US working groups will meet in the US over the weekend to finalize bilateral documents and negotiate a wider drone production and defence cooperation deal.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ukraine deploys 228 specialists to Middle East, discussing 'serious agreements'
1How many Ukrainian specialists have been deployed to the Middle East?
Ukraine has deployed 228 specialists to the Middle East to assist with drone defence.
2What is the purpose of Ukraine's specialists in the Middle East?
The specialists are helping Middle Eastern countries with drone defence and supporting discussions on serious agreements.
3Are Ukraine and the U.S. working on any agreements?
Yes, Ukrainian and U.S. groups are working on bilateral documents and a wide-ranging drone deal.
4When will Ukraine and the U.S. meet for further discussions?
Ukrainian and U.S. delegations will hold a meeting in the United States at the weekend.
