Ukraine Rejects Iran’s Claim of Striking Anti-Drone Depot in UAE; Ukrainian Anti-Drone Systems in High Demand Across Gulf and NATO States.

DUBAI,— Iran’s military said it struck a Ukrainian anti-drone system depot in the United Arab Emirates, claiming the site was supporting United States forces.

The statement was issued by Iran’s central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, and carried by state television.

The statement said locations described as hideouts of American commanders and soldiers in Dubai were targeted. It added that a Ukrainian anti-drone system depot in Dubai, which it said was assisting the US military, was also hit and destroyed.

Ukraine rejected the claim on Saturday and said Tehran was spreading false information.

Ukraine Foreign Ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy said the report was untrue and formally denied it. He added that Iran often conducts such disinformation operations.

Tykhy spoke after the Iranian military statement was broadcast. He repeated that Ukraine had not lost any such facility in the United Arab Emirates.

Zelensky agrees defence cooperation with UAE

Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the UAE without prior announcement.

He said Kyiv and Abu Dhabi agreed to cooperate on defense matters during the trip.

Later on Saturday, Qatar also announced a defense agreement with Ukraine.

In addition, two senior officials said Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an air defense deal during Zelensky’s visit to the kingdom on Friday.

Ukraine has been expanding its defense cooperation in the Gulf, offering anti-drone expertise developed during more than four years of fighting Russia.

Kyiv’s experience has become in demand in both Gulf countries and NATO states.

Russia has launched more than 57,000 Iranian-made Shahed drones at Ukraine since its invasion began on February 24, 2022. The same type of drones are now being used by Iran in attacks across the Middle East.

Earlier this month, Zelensky said 201 Ukrainian anti-drone specialists were either already in the Middle East or on their way. He said they were being deployed to assist the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Ukraine has also sent expert teams to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE after the United States and Israel launched military actions against Iran.

Zelensky has also been visiting European allies as concerns grow over drone activity near NATO’s eastern flank.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated following joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, 2026.

In response, Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones targeting sites across the Gulf region.

According to the report, Iranian strikes have included major infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. Targets listed include airports, seaports, hotels, residential areas, and oil facilities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The Iranian strikes have been reported daily. The UAE and other Gulf states have been intercepting dozens of incoming missiles and drones each day, according to the report.

(With files from AFP | Agencies)

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