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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday that Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have entered a defense partnership in response to ongoing Iranian drone attacks in the Gulf region. Following this, Zelensky continued his diplomatic outreach by traveling to Qatar.
This Gulf tour, which was not previously disclosed, began with a stop in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week. The visits come as the Gulf faces increasing threats from Iranian drones, launched as retaliation against US-Israeli military actions.
Ukraine aims to capitalize on its success in intercepting Russian drones by offering assistance to Gulf countries. Ukrainian anti-drone specialists have been deployed to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar to provide support.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, Zelensky announced a defense pact with the Saudi government. He then proceeded to the UAE, where he engaged in discussions with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“We have reached an agreement on cooperation in security and defense matters. Our respective teams will work on finalizing the specifics,” Zelensky shared via social media.
“For all normal states, it is important to ensure stability and protect lives amid today’s threats. Ukraine has relevant expertise in this area,” he said.
Also Saturday, Zelensky said on social media he had “arrived in Qatar. Real security is built on partnership — we value everyone and remain open to supporting all those who are ready to work together for this goal.”
The visit was confirmed by the Gulf nation’s state news agency.
Ukraine touts its anti-drone defences as the best in the world.
It has proposed swapping its interceptors for vastly more expensive air-defence missiles that Gulf countries are using to down Iranian drones. Kyiv says it needs more of them to fend off near-daily Russian missile attacks.
“Protection must be sufficient everywhere. That is why we are open to joint work that, in a strategic perspective, will certainly strengthen our peoples and the protection of life in our countries,” Zelensky said on Saturday.
In the UAE, Zelensky met with Ukrainian anti-drone experts, who “have been working here to help in protecting lives”.
“Today, Ukraine not only needs assistance but is also ready to support those who support us,” Zelensky said.