Ukraine is sending interceptor drones and a team of experts to help protect U.S. bases in Jordan, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with The New York Times.
The deployment came after a U.S. request last Thursday, with the team expected to arrive soon. The White House did not comment on the request, according to NYT. “We reacted immediately,” Zelensky said in the interview, noting that some countries could also mediate with Russia to pause attacks.
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A Ukrainian soldier of the 48th separate brigade launches a reconnaissance drone in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday. Credit: AP Photo/Andrii Marienko
A Ukrainian soldier of the 48th separate brigade launches a reconnaissance drone in Kharkiv region, Ukraine, Wednesday. Credit: AP Photo/Andrii Marienko
Kyiv hopes to use its experience countering Iranian-style drones – previously deployed by Russia in Ukraine – to assist Middle Eastern allies while strengthening ties with Washington. Ukraine has adapted to the Shahed drones with cost-effective methods, including machine guns, F-16 rockets, electronic jammers, and domestically built interceptors, downing roughly 87 percent of 5,000 drones Russia sent in February, according to NYT.
U.S. officials say Russia shared intelligence with Iran, including satellite imagery of American forces; Zelensky told NYT he had seen evidence that some Iranian drones contain Russian components, though The Times could not verify that claim.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) posing for a photo with a Ukrainian serviceman while visiting a main command post in Donetsk region, Friday. Credit: AFP/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) posing for a photo with a Ukrainian serviceman while visiting a main command post in Donetsk region, Friday. Credit: AFP/Ukrainian Presidential Press Service
Since the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran began, Gulf nations – including Bahrain, UAE, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia – have sought Ukraine’s guidance. Kyiv hopes to trade interceptor drones for more advanced systems to defend against Russian missiles and gain diplomatic leverage in peace talks. Zelensky stressed Ukraine must balance foreign requests with its ongoing war at home.
Patriot missile stocks are limited – only 620 were delivered in 2025 – and more than 800 were fired in the first days of the Iran war against 2,000 drones and 500 missiles, highlighting Ukraine’s expertise, according to NYT.