Key Agreements for Ukraine in the Middle East
- While visiting the Middle East, Volodymyr Zelensky signed defense agreements with Gulf countries targeted by Iranian drones and missiles.
- The Ukrainian leader announced military agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar for a “ten-year cooperation.”
- Experts have been dispatched to the region by Kiev, seeking assistance in protecting against Russian strikes in return.
During his surprise visit, Volodymyr Zelensky declared on Saturday, March 28 that the agreements with Gulf countries, threatened by drones and missiles from Tehran in response to American-Israeli strikes against Iran, included a “ten-year cooperation” in defense and the establishment of joint production chains.
“We have already signed an agreement to this effect with Saudi Arabia, we have just signed a similar agreement with Qatar, also for 10 years, and we will sign one with the Emirates,” the Ukrainian president told journalists.
Qatar Agreement Follows Saudi Arabia
During his reception in Doha on Saturday, Qatar and Ukraine signed a defense agreement including “collaboration in technological fields, joint investment development, and expertise exchange in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems,” according to the Gulf state’s Defense Ministry.
On Thursday, March 26, the Ukrainian president visited Riyadh where he signed a cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. This agreement will allow Kiev to share its experience in countering Iranian-designed Shahed drones, as the Gulf monarchies face challenges in defending themselves.
Ukrainian Experts Already in the Middle East
“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia,” Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed on social media. Riyadh “possesses what interests Ukraine,” he added without providing details.
Indeed, Saudi Arabia is one of the Gulf countries where Kiev recently sent military experts to share their experience in intercepting Shahed drones, designed by Iran and now mass-produced by Moscow to target Ukraine.
In the Saudi capital, the Ukrainian leader also met with Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stating on social media that the two leaders “have agreed to cooperate in the fields of security and defense. Our teams will finalize the details.”
Ukraine has offered to exchange its drone interceptors for anti-aircraft defense missiles, which the Gulf countries use to shoot down Iranian drones. Kiev asserts the need for these missiles to counter Russia’s nearly daily missile strikes.
Victor GAUTIER with AFP
