Zelenskyy Concludes Gulf Tour, Secures Defense Accords and Drone Countermeasure Cooperation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently concluded a tour of Gulf countries, visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan. The primary focus of the visits was to establish defense cooperation, particularly regarding Ukraine's expertise in countering unmanned aerial systems (drones). During the tour, Ukraine signed defense agreements with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while discussions for similar cooperation took place with the UAE and Jordan.
Ukraine's recent diplomatic tour aimed to strengthen regional partnerships and leverage its significant capabilities in anti-drone defense, securing defense agreements and discussing broader security challenges with Gulf nations.
Presidential Tour and Defense Accords
President Zelenskyy's itinerary included visits to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, the United Arab Emirates on Friday, Qatar on Saturday, and Jordan on Sunday. The tour aimed to strengthen regional partnerships and address security challenges.
On Saturday, Ukraine and Qatar signed a defense agreement in Doha. The Qatari defense ministry stated that this agreement encompasses collaboration in technological fields, development of joint investments, and the exchange of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems. Earlier in the week, during Zelenskyy's visit to Jeddah, a defense cooperation document was also signed with Saudi Arabia.
Regarding the United Arab Emirates, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the UAE agreed to cooperate on defense. While a formal defense agreement signing with the UAE remained unconfirmed by some sources, other reports indicated it was among recent agreements for collaboration.
Upon his arrival in Amman, Jordan, President Zelenskyy stated on social media that security was a top priority and that efforts from all partners were important.
Focus on Drone Countermeasures
A central theme of the discussions was Ukraine's offer to share its expertise in drone warfare. Ukraine has developed significant capabilities in anti-drone defense over four years of conflict, utilizing methods such as interceptors, electronic jamming tools, and anti-aircraft guns against Russian drones, many of which are based on the Iranian "Shahed" design.
Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, had submitted official requests for cooperation regarding Ukraine's experience in drone countermeasures. This interest follows Iranian aerial campaigns against Gulf neighbors.
Ukraine has deployed hundreds of drone-countering experts to the region, with specific teams noted in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan for several weeks. President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine views the strengthening of airspace protection and critical infrastructure in these nations as a matter of principle.
Ukraine has also proposed exchanging its interceptor technology for air-defense missiles currently used by US allies in the region against Iranian drones, which Ukraine could then use against Russian cruise missiles.
Broader Strategic Context
Beyond drone countermeasures, Ukraine is seeking support from Gulf states to address its budget deficit and fund domestic weapons production amidst its ongoing conflict. President Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasized Ukraine's primary need for air defense against Russia's ballistic missiles.
Qatar has also played a role as a key mediator for humanitarian issues during the conflict, facilitating the return of Ukrainian children and prisoners of war.
Concurrent Events
The diplomatic tour occurred concurrently with ongoing military activities. Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones against Ukraine within 24 hours on Tuesday. On Sunday, the Ukrainian air force reported downing or electronically jamming 252 out of 273 drones launched by Russia, with attacks on Odesa, Poltava, and Kryvyi Rih resulting in at least five fatalities. President Zelenskyy noted that 60 drones targeted Odesa, damaging port infrastructure and office space.
Simultaneously, Ukraine reported an increase in attacks on Russian infrastructure, stating these targets disrupt revenue streams funding Russia’s military operations. On Sunday, Ukraine reported a drone strike that caused a fire at Russia’s Baltic port of Ust-Luga. Russian regional governor Alexander Drozdenko confirmed damage, stated the fire was controlled, and reported no casualties, also noting that 36 drones were destroyed in the region overnight.
Separately, the Ukrainian foreign ministry denied claims from Iran regarding the destruction of a Ukrainian anti-drone systems depot in the UAE, stating the information was false.