United States President Donald Trump has reached out to Ukraine for assistance after Iran bombed American bases in the Middle East, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy on Thursday, March 26, said Ukraine is offering its air defense systems and expertise to the U.S. and several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait.
“The United States has reached out to us regarding its bases in Middle Eastern countries. We’ve also been approached by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait,” Zelenskyy said.
“We’re already working with some of them, and our expert teams are already on the ground, assessing the situation and sharing invaluable experience. Because no matter how many Patriots, THAADs, or other air defense systems are in the Middle East, that alone is not enough for a fully effective air defense.”
Trump Turns to Zelenskyy for Help After Suffering High Casualties in the Middle East
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine is exploring the delivery of modern air defense systems to Middle Eastern countries to help counter heavy drone strikes.
He noted that some nations have air defense missiles that Ukraine lacks, and discussions are ongoing to reach agreements that would allow both sides to strengthen their capabilities.
Zelenskyy stated that funding remains a key challenge, with Ukraine’s defense industry operating at half capacity.
“That’s why we are ready to sell to our partners the systems we have in surplus. And we’re not just selling – we’ll provide our expertise as well. Interceptor drones don’t work without our expertise. It’s the system that works,” he said.
Earlier in March, Zelenskyy announced that teams of Ukrainian military experts had been sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia to help defend against drones launched from Iran in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli air attacks.
He noted that other experts are assisting the U.S. in protecting its military presence in Jordan.
The surge in Ukrainian support comes as the United States reportedly ramps up its military presence in the region despite having sent a 15-point peace plan to Tehran.
Reports indicate plans to deploy soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to support operations against Iran.
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Iran Strikes Force U.S. Troops to Relocate to Hotels After Bases Attacked
Meanwhile, Iranian strikes have severely damaged several U.S. military bases, forcing many American troops to relocate to hotels and office spaces, according to The New York Times.
Much of the land-based military is now operating remotely, with fighter pilots and crews remaining on-site to conduct operations.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), an elite branch of Iran’s military, has urged citizens to report the new locations of U.S. forces.
Despite the threat, U.S. military officials insist the Pentagon continues operations against Iran, which escalated after the joint U.S.-Israeli air strikes that targeted the country’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in late February.
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Trump has said Iran’s leaders are “afraid” to admit they are negotiating with the United States.
While Tehran denies that talks are underway, the president claims that if they acknowledge them, “they’ll be killed by their own people.”
On Wednesday, an Iranian official outlined five conditions to end the conflict following reports that Tehran had received a 15-point plan from the U.S.
The White House stressed that Trump’s preference has “always been peace,” but noted he is “prepared to unleash hell” if necessary.
