Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Visits Gulf Arab States to Discuss Drone Defense and Seek Strategic Ties

Zelenskyy signs security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, expects to finalize one with UAE as Ukraine's drone expertise becomes key in Middle East conflicts.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 6:03pm

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made unannounced visits to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as Kyiv seeks to use its drone expertise to help Gulf Arab states blunt Iran's attacks while the war in the Middle East rages on. Zelenskyy said Ukraine has already signed 10-year security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and expects to shortly finalize a similar agreement with the UAE. Ukraine has quickly grown into one of the world's leading producers of cutting-edge and battle-tested drone interceptors that are cheap and effective, and they are playing a key part in its defense against Russia's full-scale invasion that began in February 2022.

Why it matters

Ukraine's drone technology has become a valuable asset as Gulf Arab states look to bolster their defenses against Iran-backed attacks. By forging strategic partnerships, Ukraine is positioning itself as a key player in the region's security landscape and diversifying its international relationships beyond its traditional Western allies.

The details

Zelenskyy's visits to the UAE and Qatar are part of Ukraine's efforts to leverage its drone expertise to build new security ties in the Middle East. Ukraine has emerged as a global leader in the production of affordable and effective drone interceptors, which have played a crucial role in its defense against the Russian invasion. By signing long-term security agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and potentially the UAE, Ukraine is seeking to establish itself as a reliable partner in the region's efforts to counter Iran-backed threats, such as drone and missile attacks.

  • Zelenskyy made the unannounced visits to the UAE and Qatar in recent days.
  • Ukraine has already signed 10-year security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
  • Zelenskyy expects to finalize a similar agreement with the UAE in the near future.

The players

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The President of Ukraine, who is seeking to leverage Ukraine's drone expertise to build strategic partnerships with Gulf Arab states.

Saudi Arabia

One of the Gulf Arab states that has signed a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine to bolster its drone defense capabilities.

Qatar

Another Gulf Arab state that has signed a 10-year security agreement with Ukraine to strengthen its drone defense.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The Gulf Arab state that Zelenskyy expects to finalize a similar security agreement with in the near future.

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What they’re saying

“Ukraine has already signed 10-year security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and I expect to shortly finalize a similar agreement with the UAE.”

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine

What’s next

Zelenskyy's visits to the Gulf Arab states are part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships and diversify its international relationships. The finalization of the security agreement with the UAE is expected in the near future, further solidifying Ukraine's role as a key player in the region's security landscape.

The takeaway

Ukraine's drone expertise has become a valuable asset in the Middle East, as Gulf Arab states seek to bolster their defenses against Iran-backed threats. By forging strategic partnerships with countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, Ukraine is positioning itself as a reliable security partner and diversifying its international relationships beyond its traditional Western allies.