Ukraine signs defence agreements with Gulf Nations eager to fend off Iranian drones
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Ukraine signed defense agreements with Gulf states to exchange drone-defense expertise for air-defense missiles.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed what he called "historic" defence agreements with Gulf nations including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia following a recent regional visit. The deals capitalize on Ukraine's battlefield experience repelling Iranian drone attacks—expertise the Gulf states desperately need as they face similar threats from Iranian weapons. The agreements structure mutual benefit: Gulf nations gain access to Ukrainian drone-defence knowledge and capabilities, while Ukraine secures air defence missiles it needs to counter Russian aerial bombardment. Zelensky has positioned the partnerships as a way to leverage Ukraine's hard-won military experience into strategic alliances and critical weapons supplies. The move reflects Ukraine's broader effort to deepen ties beyond traditional Western allies while addressing its most pressing defence shortfall.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced signing defense agreements with Gulf nations including United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
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