Sibiga assessed the role of Ukrainian drones in the Middle East
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga stated that Ukrainian drones and counter-drone systems have become a strategic national asset and are already being used as a tool of geopolitical influence.
The foreign minister made these remarks in an interview with Ukrinform.
According to the foreign minister, this has significantly strengthened Ukraine’s role not only in Europe but also in the Middle East.
“The main conclusion is that Ukraine is truly at the center of the international agenda, despite developments in other regions. I have felt this as a minister. And this is the position of all EU countries, as well as that of the French presidency,” he stated following the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Summit in France on March 26–27.
Sibiga linked this, in particular, to Ukraine’s active stance in the Middle East. According to him, Kyiv offers its partners in the Gulf states not only political support but also concrete security solutions.
“And this is appreciated; it works. And it’s not just about the war, but also about our role in shaping security and the agenda from Europe to the Middle East. There is a clear understanding of Ukraine’s significance and its role. And our agency is becoming more pronounced and taking on concrete meaning,” the minister emphasized.
He also stressed that Ukraine possesses unique military capabilities that have already become an important geopolitical tool.
“Our drones and counter-drone systems are, in essence, our Ukrainian ‘oil.’ They are our strategic resource, which must be converted into a clear national Ukrainian interest to strengthen our army, our economy, and, of course, to bring about lasting peace,” Sibiga concluded.
As a reminder, the Ukrainian military will not take direct part in combat operations during the conflict in the Middle East but will limit itself to sharing its expertise, particularly in the field of defense against Iranian drones.
As a reminder, Zelenskyy announced the signing of agreements with three Middle Eastern countries for the production of drones.
On March 28, Iranian forces struck the United Arab Emirates, using 20 ballistic missiles and 37 drones.
An Iranian ballistic missile struck the town of Eshtol near Jerusalem, injuring at least 11 people and damaging buildings and a parking lot. Israeli air defenses attempted to intercept the missile but were unsuccessful.
