Briefly

While attention focuses on the February 2025 Oval Office episode referenced in Volodymyr Zelensky’s interview with Irish journalist Keelin Robertson, the actual work is already unfolding in the Middle East. The United States asked Kyiv for help countering Iranian drones — and Ukraine responded by sending professional teams and equipment.

What exactly happened

According to the president, Ukraine has sent three professional, fully staffed and equipped teams that are due to arrive this week in Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In addition, Kyiv deployed interceptors and a group of specialists to protect American bases in Jordan. In his conversation with Robertson, Zelensky directly raised the idea of a trade: partners’ assistance in the form of scarce air‑defense missiles in exchange for Ukraine’s expert and technical support.

"A good feeling," Zelensky commented. "I think so... But I think we had them. You know, it's like a good player. You may have good cards, but it's important not to show them to everyone. I think I had that a year ago too, but we didn't show it."

— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (interview with Keelin Robertson)

Why this matters for Ukraine

First, it is recognition of Ukrainian expertise in countering drones: the practical experience of war gives Kyiv a unique set of solutions that are in demand on international stages. Second, it is leverage in negotiations: exchanging specialists and equipment for scarce air‑defense systems could speed up deliveries of the systems the front needs.

Defense analysts note that such an invitation from the United States is not only an operational necessity but also a signal of a shift in Ukraine’s role from beneficiary to active partner in the global security system. The social proof is already evident: several allied countries in the Middle East are hosting Ukrainian teams, confirming the practical value of their skills.

Consequences and outlook

This episode illustrates the logic Zelensky himself described as "having the cards, not showing them to everyone." Now the cards are on the table — but not as a desperate move, rather as a bargaining chip: security assistance in exchange for specific weaponry. How effective this mechanism will be depends on the speed and clear agreements between Kyiv and its partners. If the agreements turn into deliveries of air‑defense systems, it will shift the balance in the near term.

The key question: will partners turn recognition of Ukrainian expertise into practical assistance that strengthens Ukraine’s long‑term defense capability?