As Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine enters its fifth year, some of the global attention has shifted. The escalating conflict between Iran and several states in the Middle East is currently dominating the headlines. But paradoxically, it is precisely this development that has given Ukraine a new strategic role: many states are now actively seeking exchanges with Kiev. At the heart of this interest is a capability the country developed under wartime conditions – the effective use of drone technology.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyj is specifically using this situation to put Ukraine back on the international agenda. After the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion and diplomatic initiatives for possible peace talks dominated attention in February, the topic of Ukraine recently threatened to fade into the background. Zelensky’s message is therefore twofold: Ukraine is ready to share its technical know-how – but expects continued military support.
Ukraine as a laboratory of modern warfare
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The war against Russia has made Ukraine one of the world’s most innovative players in military drone technology. This is particularly clear in the handling of Iranian Shahed drones, which Russia has been using against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure for years.
While other countries often use expensive air defense missiles – such as Patriot interceptor systems – to destroy comparatively inexpensive drones, Ukraine has developed alternative solutions. Ukrainian engineers and military personnel are increasingly relying on so-called interceptor drones, i.e. unmanned aerial vehicles that can specifically destroy enemy drones.
The results are remarkable: According to Ukrainian information, only around 14 percent of Russian drones reached their destination last year. The majority were previously intercepted or destroyed. These experiences make Ukraine an important contact point for other countries.
New demand from the Middle East
The conflict with Iran has greatly increased interest in Ukrainian know-how. Several states in the region – including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan – have reached out to Kyiv in recent weeks to discuss strategies to counter Iranian drones.
Zelensky reportedly even held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a trip to the front lines. The central question for many governments is: How can large numbers of cheap drones be combated efficiently?
The United States has also now signaled interest in Ukrainian technology. After years of extensive American military aid, a new dynamic is emerging: for the first time, Washington itself is asking Kiev for support.
Political capital for Kyiv
This creates a diplomatic opportunity for Zelenskyj. A direct exchange – such as technology for weapons – is officially not an issue. But the Ukrainian leadership hopes that their support will create political space in the long term.
Additional Patriot interceptor missiles are particularly important for Kyiv. Russia continues to regularly attack with ballistic and cruise missiles, against which drone defense alone is not sufficient.
At the same time, Zelensky wants to send a clear signal: Ukraine is ready to take on international responsibility – but will not accept a peace that forces territorial concessions such as the abandonment of Donbass.
The war of the future
Both conflicts – in Ukraine and the Middle East – illustrate how much modern warfare is changing. Drones are increasingly taking on tasks that were previously reserved for soldiers: reconnaissance, attacks, logistics and even rescuing the wounded or fallen on the battlefield.
What seemed like science fiction just a few years ago is now a military reality. Ukraine is at the forefront of this development – and that’s exactly why the phone in Kiev is currently ringing around the world.
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Between victory rhetoric and the risk of escalation: the Iran conflict is shaking energy markets
The conflict over Iran is developing into one of the most dangerous geopolitical crises in recent years. While military operations continue, political actors are simultaneously trying to limit economic damage. The global energy markets are particularly sensitive to the escalation.
US President Donald Trump sent contradictory signals. In an interview, he stated that the conflict was “practically over” and that it was “well ahead of schedule”. A little later he qualified this representation in front of Republican MPs: they had “won in many ways, but not enough”. The different tone reflects the uncertainty about the actual state of the military situation.
At the same time, international supply chains are coming under pressure. Due to the fighting in the Persian Gulf, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is severely restricted. A significant portion of the world’s oil and gas exports typically travel through this strait. The decline in deliveries caused energy prices to rise rapidly. Economists warn that higher fuel costs in many countries could also lead to rising food prices.
The industrialized countries are reacting with caution. The G7 finance ministers said they were examining a possible release of strategic oil reserves, but wanted to wait for further developments. In Asia, governments are also trying to take countermeasures. South Korea announced it would introduce government price caps on gasoline for the first time in nearly three decades.
At the same time, the military situation in the Middle East is worsening. France wants to send a larger naval unit to the region to protect allied states and possibly escort merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Israel expanded its operations in southern Lebanon, while Iranian missiles also entered Turkish airspace.
The conflict is already having a regional impact: Air strikes in Bahrain injured dozens of people and sparked fires near a refinery. At the same time, concerns are growing about a more radical political line in Tehran under the new leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The coming weeks are likely to be crucial in determining whether the conflict stabilizes – or expands further.
Author: P. Tiko
