Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has intensified diplomatic efforts in the Gulf, securing defence cooperation agreements with the UAE and Qatar. The move comes as regional tensions and security concerns continue to escalate.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday, where both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in security and defence.
“Our teams will finalise the details,” Zelenskiy said in a statement on Telegram.
According to the Emirati state news agency WAM, the two leaders also explored opportunities to expand bilateral ties under the Comprehensive Economic Agreement between Ukraine and the UAE. They discussed ongoing security developments and military escalation in the region, along with their impact on international navigation and the global economy.
Zelenskiy’s Gulf tour gains momentum
Zelenskiy arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, where the Saudi defence ministry signed a defence cooperation agreement with Ukraine’s defence ministry. He later traveled to Qatar on Saturday as part of his broader regional outreach.
Ukraine, Qatar sign major defence deal
During his visit to Qatar, Ukraine signed a defence cooperation agreement with the Gulf state, according to Qatar’s Ministry of Defence. The agreement includes collaboration in missile defence systems and broader security cooperation.
Also Read: Ukraine and Saudi Arabia ink landmark defense cooperation deal
The defence deal between Ukraine and Qatar covers cooperation in countering missile threats and unmanned aerial systems. It also includes joint technological initiatives, investment development, and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.
Strengthening defence ties
Both Ukraine and Qatar agreed to further strengthen their defence cooperation in response to evolving regional threats. The agreement comes at a time when Iran has intensified its aerial campaign in the region, raising security concerns.
Ukraine’s foreign minister said on Friday that Kyiv is close to finalising several security agreements, including with the UAE and Qatar. These agreements are aimed at countering Iranian attacks and enhancing regional defence coordination.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards claim to have carried out a missile attack on Dubai and destroyed a Ukrainian air defense depot.
A day ago, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia also signed a defense cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening security, technological collaboration, and investment ties. Zelenskiy had announced the deal during his visit to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the pact’s potential to protect lives and share expertise.
The agreement, inked ahead of Zelenskiy’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, lays the groundwork for:
- Future contracts and technological cooperation between the two nations.
- Investments in defense and security infrastructure.
- Strengthening Ukraine’s role as a global security contributor.
