President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine has sent over 200 experts to the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait to help defend against Iranian Shahed drones. Nearly three dozen additional specialists are being deployed. Zelensky highlighted the connection between Russia and Iran, noting that the Shahed drones used in the Gulf are the same type sold to Russia in 2022.
Drone defence expertise
Ukraine has shot down more than 44,700 drones since the war with Russia began, achieving nearly a 90% success rate. Last month alone, 3,238 Shahed-type drones were intercepted. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said the country can produce at least 2,000 combat-proven interceptors daily, supplying 1,000 to allies while using 1,000 for domestic defence. Zelensky offered to protect British bases in Cyprus against Shahed attacks.
Cost-effective drone interceptors
Oslo University missile expert Fabian Hoffmann noted that Gulf states focus on expensive high-altitude interceptors, leaving them vulnerable to low-altitude drones. Ukrainian interceptor drones cost about $3,000 to shoot down a $50,000 Shahed, compared to up to $10 million per US ballistic interceptor.
Ukraine intensifies counterattacks
Ukraine has increased strikes on Russian infrastructure, including the Afipsky Oil Refinery and Kavkaz port in Krasnodar Krai, the Aviastar aircraft plant in Ulyanovsk, and oil depots and aircraft repair sites in other regions. Ukrainian forces have reportedly recaptured 400 sq km (154 sq miles) in the southern front since January, forcing Russia to redeploy units.
Impact on oil markets
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has spiked global oil prices, benefiting Russia. The US temporarily suspended sanctions on Russian oil through April 11, giving Moscow an estimated $140m per day in extra revenue. Analysts predict Russia’s windfall could reach up to $4.9bn by the end of March.
Geopolitical ramifications
Hungary reversed approval of a €90bn loan to Ukraine due to the need to repair the Druzhba pipeline, which carries Russian oil and was damaged by Russian strikes. The ongoing conflict underscores how Ukraine’s counteroffensive and Iranian-Russian coordination are reshaping energy markets and regional security.
Also read: Ukraine peace talks are “on hold”, Kremlin confirms
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