Ukraine plans to sign an air security agreement with Saudi Arabia. This was reported by AFP and Bloomberg, citing a high-ranking official amid President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the Persian Gulf region, writes UNN.
Details
Zelenskyy announced his arrival in Saudi Arabia on Thursday and stated that "important meetings" are ahead. According to him, Ukraine values the support of its partners and is ready to cooperate with those who work for security.
According to sources, the trip will not be limited to Saudi Arabia alone – the Ukrainian president may also visit other countries in the region.
What Ukraine offers
Kyiv is trying to use its own combat experience in countering drones as an element of defense diplomacy. After the start of the war around Iran, Ukraine has already sent military specialists to the Persian Gulf countries for consultations on intercepting drones.
Over 200 Ukrainian experts are in the Middle East and Persian Gulf region – Zelenskyy17.03.26, 19:17
According to sources, Ukraine offers an exchange: practical experience in combating drones in exchange for support in obtaining critical weapons, including American missiles to counter ballistic threats.
Why this is important for Kyiv
The visit comes at a time when Ukraine is looking for new sources of defense support. Amid delays in funding and problems with the supply of certain types of Western weapons, Kyiv is trying to expand its circle of partners.
Rustem Umerov, who had previously held negotiations in the region, also arrived in Saudi Arabia with Zelenskyy. This indicates that it is not only a political visit, but also substantive defense agreements.
Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia, important meetings expected26.03.26, 17:24