Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defense cooperation deal
Photo: Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense cooperation agreement (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
The Defense Ministries of Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed an important agreement on defense cooperation, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Zelenskyy states that a relevant document was signed before he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia.
The agreement lays the groundwork for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments, and strengthens Ukraine’s international role as a security provider.
The President notes that Ukraine is ready to share its expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to cooperate to strengthen the protection of lives.
"Now into the fifth year, Ukrainians are resisting the same kind of terrorist attacks – ballistic missiles and drones – that the Iranian regime is currently carrying out in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial," he emphasizes.
They also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region in general, Russia’s support for the Iranian regime, the situation on fuel markets, and potential energy cooperation.
Agreement with Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to the Persian Gulf region. Kyiv was preparing to sign an agreement with Saudi Arabia.
Zelenskyy arrived in the region seeking to offer Ukraine’s expertise in countering drones in exchange for defense support.
A week ago, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was negotiating defense agreements with Middle East countries and, at the same time, is proposing a so-called drone deal to the United States.
In addition, there are currently 228 Ukrainian military experts in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Today, Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian military experts who have been working in Saudi Arabia for over a week.
The military personnel briefed the President on the team’s initial results and findings, both at the operational level and on a broader scale.
