Ukraine, Saudi sign air defence deal during Zelensky surprise visit
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Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an air defense agreement during President Zelensky's surprise visit to the Gulf.
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Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed an air defence agreement during an unannounced visit by President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Gulf kingdom, with Zelensky confirming he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the deal. The agreement represents a significant expansion of defence cooperation between Kyiv and Riyadh at a time when Ukraine faces relentless Russian missile and drone attacks on its territory and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia, which itself has contended with Iranian drone strikes, appears to be signaling willingness to deepen security ties with Ukraine beyond traditional Middle Eastern alignments. The visit underscores Zelensky's ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure military support and international backing as the war in Ukraine continues. The specifics of what air defence systems or technology the agreement encompasses were not disclosed in Zelensky's announcement.
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Ukraine and Saudi Arabia reached an air defense arrangement during Zelensky's visit to the Gulf region.
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