Ukrainian MFA on assistance to Middle Eastern countries: We count on reciprocity in four areas
Kyiv expects support from Middle Eastern countries with which it cooperates to protect its skies in four key areas: political support, strengthening sanctions against Russia, expanding security partnerships, and participation in post-war reconstruction, stated Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi.
As reported by an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, he said this at a briefing in Kyiv on Wednesday.
"Only Ukraine has a comprehensive system to counter the air threats currently emanating from Iran to the Gulf States and the Middle East. No one else in the world has such experience. And this is precisely why we are of interest to the Gulf States," Tykhyi emphasized.
He recalled that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha recently reported that 11 countries had requested such support from Ukraine in recent weeks.
"And some countries, by the way, have already expressed gratitude for practical support, including some Arab countries. Therefore, in this context, Ukraine, of course, expects reciprocity from the states of the region, particularly in four general areas," the spokesperson noted.
First, this means strengthening political support for Ukraine. Second, supporting sanctions policies against Russia and Iran. Third, expanding practical cooperation in security and defense. Fourth, participating in Ukraine's reconstruction and implementing investment projects.
"I think you'll see specific negotiations and agreements later. More details on these main areas, but I can outline these four areas in general," Tykhyi said.
He added that Ukraine, as a state, is monitoring the significant deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East and notes that this conflict is acquiring the characteristics of a protracted war, the expansion of the geography of military operations, and the growing risks of large-scale regional destabilization.
As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized, Ukraine advocates for compliance with international law and the UN Charter and notes that responsibility for this escalation lies with the regime in Tehran.
"It is precisely this regime's policies that are the key factor in instability in the Middle East and beyond. We remind you that Iran remains a direct accomplice to Russian aggression," Tykhyi stated.
He recalled that Russia has launched more than 57,000 Iranian drones against Ukraine since 2022. In exchange, Russia provides Iran with military and intelligence support and shares its experience in using drones.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ukraine supports increased international pressure on Iran, in particular through sanctions mechanisms in close coordination with the EU, as well as the use of diplomatic deterrence instruments that will minimize the risks of a larger regional war.
Of particular concern, as the spokesperson noted, is the violation of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
"You know the extremely negative consequences this has for the stability of energy markets and the global economy. We call for immediate freedom of navigation in accordance with international maritime law and the prevention of further escalation in this strategically important region," Tykhyi said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that if the war in the Middle East escalates into a protracted phase, this will create additional challenges to international security, divert the attention and resources of the international community from countering Russian aggression in Europe, and increase instability in global markets.
"At the same time, we understand that weakening Iran's military potential could limit its ability to support Russian aggression against Ukraine," he added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifically noted that Ukraine is already making a practical contribution to strengthening the security of its partners in the region, in particular through its unique experience in countering Iranian drones.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that 201 Ukrainian military experts have already been deployed to the Middle East to counter shaheds. They are working in the Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait at the request of their partners, particularly the United States, to protect against Iranian drones. An additional 34 Ukrainian specialists are ready for deployment.
