Defense: Kyiv concludes its first agreement in the Gulf with Riyadh

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Agree on Defense Cooperation

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have agreed on defense cooperation in the context of the war against Iran and drone attacks carried out by Tehran against neighboring countries, with Kyiv signing its first such agreement in the Gulf.

The agreement was signed in Jeddah on Thursday during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Saudi Arabia, one month after the start of the war against Iran.

According to Kyiv, the document “lays the groundwork for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments, while strengthening Ukraine’s international role as a security provider.”

“Thanks to its expertise and technologies, our country will help Saudi Arabia enhance its capabilities in combating aerial threats,” Zelensky stated after meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.

Zelensky did not provide further details during his visit but emphasized Ukraine’s focus on defense against Russian ballistic missiles. Ukrainian experts in drone warfare have been deployed in Saudi Arabia for over a week.

Ukraine has sent over 200 of its experts in drone detection to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, with another thirty heading to Jordan and Kuwait, Zelensky informed journalists last week via WhatsApp.

The visit to the Gulf region coincides with a significant moment for Kyiv, as Ukrainian air defenses reached an impressive 97% interception rate against Russian drones in the latest Moscow attack.

Cooperation in the Gulf, a Matter of European Security

Speaking at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) summit in Helsinki on Thursday, Zelensky presented Ukraine’s engagement in the Gulf as a contribution to global security and energy stability.

“This is important because energy security and the cost of living, especially in Europe, depend on their oil, gas, and other resources, as well as the stability of global markets,” Zelensky highlighted.

He emphasized Europe’s need to have the full capacity to produce all types of air defense systems and missiles intended for them, including protection against drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats.

“We cannot rely on industries of other partners. We must have confidence in our own industry here in Europe,” Zelensky stated.

Reports indicate that the United States may redirect military aid earmarked for Ukraine to the Middle East, which could leave Ukraine’s air defense extremely vulnerable to intensified attacks from Russian ballistic missiles.