Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani to discuss Iranian strikes and potential defense cooperation. The Ukrainian leader emphasized his country's four years of experience countering Russian drones and missiles, offering to share this expertise with Middle Eastern allies.

Zelenskiy told the UAE leader that Ukraine could help protect lives and agreed to have teams work on potential support measures. After speaking with Qatar's Emir, he said Ukrainian and Qatari teams would remain in contact to determine how to provide greater protection to people in the region. The discussions come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Kyiv officials have indicated Ukraine would send drone specialists to the Middle East to help down Iranian drones if partners help broker a ceasefire in Ukraine's war with Russia. Zelenskiy also mentioned the possibility of exchanging interceptor drones for air defense missiles with Middle East allies. The Ukrainian president expressed solidarity with both nations during the calls.