In what can be called a dramatic turn of events, the US has now sought Ukraine’s assistance in protecting Gulf countries against Iranian drones, known as Shahed drones, launched by Iran. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, disclosed that the US, as well as Gulf countries such as Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, etc., are seeking Ukraine’s expertise on how to deal with the Iranian drones, as Ukraine has years of experience dealing with such drones. The Ukrainian President is willing to provide "concrete steps" for assistance, but there is a strategic condition attached: Ukraine wants a "missile swap" where US Patriots will be provided for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s ballistic missiles, while Ukraine provides drone interceptors for the US.