Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Jordan on Sunday, as part of his ongoing Gulf tour focused on bolstering regional security and countering Iranian drone threats. 

This visit follows stops in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar, where Ukraine is positioning itself as a key partner in modern air defense.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky stated: “Today in Jordan. Security is the top priority, and it is important that all partners make the necessary efforts toward it. Ukraine is doing its part. Important meetings ahead.” The message underscores Kyiv’s commitment to global stability while highlighting Ukraine’s direct contributions.

Ukraine’s Proven Expertise in Countering Shahed Drones

Over four years of full-scale war with Russia since the 2022 invasion, Ukraine has developed world-leading tactics and technologies to intercept waves of Iranian-designed Shahed drones (and Russian-modified versions like Geran-2). This hard-earned experience is now being shared with Middle Eastern partners facing similar threats from Iran and its proxies.

Zelensky has revealed that Ukraine is actively assisting five key countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan — with intelligence, training, expert assessments, and interceptor drone deployments to protect civilian areas and critical infrastructure. Ukrainian military specialists (over 200 deployed, with more ready) are on the ground conducting evaluations, sharing electronic warfare techniques, and helping build layered defense systems that go beyond traditional systems like Patriots or THAAD.

Earlier in March 2026, at the request of the United States, Ukraine quickly dispatched interceptor drones and a team of experts to safeguard U.S. military bases in Jordan amid the broader Iran-related conflict. This rapid response demonstrates Ukraine’s reliability as a security partner.

Zelensky informed about Russia’s Massive Drone Barrage on Ukraine This Week Amid His Middle-East Visit

In his statement, Zelensky highlighted the scale of ongoing Russian aggression: “This week alone, Russia used more than 3,000 strike drones against our cities and communities – a significant portion of them ‘Shaheds’ – as well as over 1,450 guided aerial bombs and 40 missiles of various types.”

These attacks, which include record single-day launches nearing 1,000 drones, target civilian infrastructure across Ukraine, mirroring the tactics used by Iran in the Middle East. Zelensky noted that the same Shahed-type drones and ballistic weapons destabilize both regions, affecting global markets, energy security, and maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Calls for Joint Defense Production and Global Cooperation

Zelensky emphasized the need for decisive international action: “We are making our contribution to guaranteeing security. And it is important that the world does not lose time or opportunities. Clear, decisive, and coordinated efforts are needed to provide real protection for life and to stop wars.”

He advocated for:

• Building joint, modern defense systems proven effective in real combat.
• Developing co-production of advanced weapons and interceptors.
• Uniting capabilities to ensure peace in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Ukraine is not only offering expertise but also seeking reciprocal support, including air defense missiles, funding for its defense industry (currently operating at partial capacity), and technology transfers to scale up production. Defense pacts and air security agreements have already been discussed or signed with several Gulf nations during the tour.

Broader Context: Shifting Geopolitics in the Iran Conflict

The visits come as the Middle East grapples with Iranian drone and missile strikes, potential blockades, and spillover risks. Ukraine’s role highlights a unique dynamic: a nation under heavy attack is exporting proven counter-drone solutions, while Russia is accused of aiding Iran through intelligence and components.

This Gulf tour marks a strategic pivot for Ukraine — transitioning from primarily receiving aid to becoming a supplier of security know-how, potentially opening new diplomatic and economic avenues.