Ukraine announces ‘mutually beneficial’ defence deal with Saudi Arabia
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Ukraine signed a defense deal with Saudi Arabia to share drone-defense expertise amid the Iran conflict.
AI Summary
Ukraine has announced a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia described as "mutually beneficial," leveraging Kyiv's accumulated expertise in countering drone attacks developed through its ongoing conflict with Russia. The pact comes as Iran has supplied drones to Russia for use against Ukrainian targets, creating a shared threat perception between Kyiv and Riyadh. By formalizing defence cooperation, Ukraine gains a potential partner with significant regional influence and resources, while Saudi Arabia gains access to battle-tested knowledge of drone defence systems. The deal signals Ukraine's effort to diversify its international partnerships beyond traditional Western allies and establish ties with major Gulf players. It also reflects how the Ukraine-Russia war has reshaped geopolitical alignments, with countries across regions seeking to counter shared threats from Iranian drone technology.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
GlobalZelenskyy visits Saudi Arabia as Ukraine provides expertise against Iranian drones - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMingFBVV95cUxONDYxeklmNnBsZUZqbFp5c1RIT2Npc2lYU0g5YW5aSzVldWFkVTVLa2lIWnluZE9TamZBV3FqWEVCaWNXMWI4QmpOSy1BQ2Nlb2drcFU5amVycVZMUHZGbU5kbjZpQl9xeTB1WnE1VW1yQ1FsVHp4MERwci1meDZIaHJDU2ZKYWJmdVRKZUR3ZDVBMS1sUXpYRlBRYmk4dw?oc=5" target="_blank">Zelenskyy visits Saudi Arabia as Ukraine provides expertise against Iranian drones</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
GlobalUkraine, Saudi sign air defence deal during Zelensky surprise visit
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed an air defence agreement during President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the Gulf country facing Iranian drone attacks. Zelensky confirmed on social media that both countries had "reached an important arrangement" on defence cooperation and that he had met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit.
GlobalIran war shockwaves push Saudi Arabia to strike security deal with Ukraine - politico.eu
GlobalAsian Champions League quarterfinal sends Iran’s Tractor FC to Saudi Arabia
Draw for AFC Asian Champions League Elite quarterfinals sees Tractor FC play Dubai's Shabab Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
GlobalUkraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says US has linked security guarantees to ceding of Donbas
<p>Ukrainian president says peace deal proposed by US included ceding land to Russia. What we know on day 1,492</p><p><strong>The US is making its offer of security guarantees for a peace deal in Ukraine conditional on Kyiv ceding all of the country’s eastern region of Donbas to Russia, </strong>president Volodymyr Zelenskyy told Reuters in an interview. With the US focused on its own conflict with Iran, Donald Trump is applying pressure to Ukraine in an effort to bring a quick end to the four-year war triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion, Zelenskyy said. “The Middle East definitely has an impact on President Trump, and I think on his next steps. President Trump, unfortunately, still chooses a strategy of putting more pressure on the Ukrainian side,” he told Reuters. “I would very much like the American side to understand that the eastern part of our country is part of our security guarantees,” he said.</p><p><strong>Russia sought to blackmail the US by offering to stop sharing milit...
National SecurityHow drones being used in the Russia-Ukraine war are similar to those in Iran war
There are some significant similarities between the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. CBS News' Aidan Stretch reports.
Ethiopian asylum seeker deported by U.S. to Equatorial Guinea
Since retaking office, the Trump administration has deported more than 675,000 people. Even though the administration alleges that it's removing the worst of the worst, some fleeing political violence and some with strong asylum claims are getting swept up as well. William Brangham spoke with one of those individuals and her lawyer.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Fentanyl found inside Barbies sold at Missouri discount store, police say
Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs
Pentagon's limits on press access unconstitutional, US judge rules - Reuters
The West's historic snow drought could bring water shortages, wildfires
Washington ignores America's fiscal cliff
