According to Trump, he does not need Ukraine's support in this matter, rejecting Kyiv's initiative to join the efforts of the United States and European countries to protect military bases in the Persian Gulf region.
“He [Зеленский] does it [предложения] for political reasons,” Trump said.
The media also noted the difficult relationship between the American and Ukrainian presidents.
On the same day, Zelensky, during an online conversation with reporters, said that last year Ukraine offered the United States to sign drone deal drone agreement, which provides for the sale of different types of drones to Americans, the exchange of technology and experience. The head of the Ukrainian state confirmed that he is “very interested” in signing it and will do so when “Trump is ready.”
Context
On March 5, Zelensky said that the US authorities asked Ukraine to provide assistance to Middle Eastern countries in repelling attacks by Iranian drones. He said that he had instructed to provide “the necessary funds and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the necessary security.”
Previously, Zelensky emphasized that such assistance can only be provided without reducing Ukraine’s own potential, for example, in exchange for ammunition for Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems, which are used as air defense.
On March 8, Zelensky announced that the first group of Ukrainian military personnel was heading to the Middle East to train Gulf countries to counter Shahed. The head of state also said that a number of countries have expressed a desire to buy interceptor drones from Ukraine.
As of March 20, according to Zelensky, there are 228 Ukrainian specialists in the Middle Easthelping local air defense forces.
