Want money, tech in return for drone help, says Ukraine

KYIV: Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping West Asia that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, its President Volodymyr Zelensky said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.

Zelensky told reporters that three teams were sent to West Asia to conduct expert assessments and demonstrate how drone defences should operate. Earlier this week he said teams were sent to Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, as well as a US military base in Jordan. "This is not about being involved in operations. We are not at war with Iran," Zelensky said.




He said that more fundamental, long-term drone deals could be negotiated with Gulf countries and what Ukraine will get in return for the assistance still needed to be discussed. "For us today, both the technology and the funding are important," Zelensky said.

'Russia supplying drones to Iran'

Russia is supplying Iran with Shahed drones, Zelensky told CNN in an interview aired on Saturday.Shahed drones have been linked to other attacks on countries in the region, although their manufacturers are not always clear.

Reuters