EU Cites Ukraine After Gulf States Criticize Stance on Iran War

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has criticized Gulf countries for failing to provide sufficient support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia, stating that international cooperation can’t be a one-way street. The comments, made during an interview with CNN on April 10, 2026, come as the European bloc defends its own role in Middle East security amid a US-Israeli war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Kallas argued that the European Union has not received adequate assistance from Gulf allies regarding the conflict in Ukraine, while the EU continues to engage in regional security efforts in the Middle East. She rejected criticisms of EU inaction, asserting that Europe did not cause the current tensions in the region and describing such criticism as really unfair.

EU Security Contributions in the Middle East

To counter claims of inaction, Kallas highlighted several EU initiatives aimed at maintaining regional stability. These include naval operations designed to keep the Red Sea open and the provision of air defense systems and other security measures.

the EU foreign policy chief pointed to the bloc’s support for the Lebanese armed forces and its continued backing for the Palestinian Authority and a two-state solution. These efforts are part of a broader strategy outlined in European Council conclusions adopted on March 19, 2026, which noted that developments in Iran and the surrounding region threaten both regional and global security.

Kallas also warned that certain nations have been helping to circumvent sanctions on Iran, noting that such actions could have broader security implications. She called for stronger coordination among partners, observing that adversaries currently appear to be acting together more effectively than allies.

Ukraine’s Role as a Security Provider

The diplomatic tension between the EU and Gulf states occurs as Ukraine has pivoted toward a new role as a provider of defense expertise for the United States and its Middle Eastern allies. Despite the United States stopping military and financial assistance to Ukraine under President Donald Trump, the US government has sought Kyiv’s help to protect its bases in the Gulf from retaliatory drone strikes launched by Iran.

Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, made the US request public on March 6, 2026. Following this, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on March 8, 2026, that Ukraine would dispatch military experts to the Gulf region.

On March 9, 2026, President Zelenskyy sent chief negotiator Rustem Umerov to the Gulf to facilitate the sale of Ukrainian interceptor drones to regional states. Zelenskyy stated that more than 10 countries across Europe and the Middle East, as well as the United States, had requested Ukrainian support to enhance their defensive capabilities.

Transactional Diplomacy and Defense Agreements

Ukraine’s willingness to provide drone expertise is tied to its own need for continued support. President Zelenskyy emphasized that stability in the Gulf is important for Ukraine, but maintained that those seeking Kyiv’s assistance must continue to support Ukraine’s own national defense.

Kyiv has already entered into drone co-production agreements with several European allies and has proposed similar arrangements to the United States. Zelenskyy noted that the effectiveness of Ukrainian drone technology has made this approach the only viable alternative for defense against Iranian drone threats.

Broader Regional Tensions

The shift in security dynamics comes during a period of intense volatility in the Middle East. While the EU and Gulf states navigate disagreements over the war in Ukraine, other diplomatic efforts are underway to address regional conflicts. Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to meet on April 14, 2026, for peace talks hosted by the United States.

Regarding transatlantic relations, Kallas reaffirmed that NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defense. She warned that internal disagreements within the alliance risk weakening its overall strength, stressing the need to maintain NATO as the strongest defense alliance in the world.