Ukraine's security chief heads to Middle East
Photo: Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov has headed to the Middle East, where he will discuss agreements with Persian Gulf countries on protection against Shahed drones, according to the evening address of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and comments by presidential adviser Dmytro Lytvyn to journalists.
"Right now our team – both the military and Rustem Umerov – is on the way to the Gulf region, where our guys can help protect lives and stabilize the situation," Zelenskyy said.
He noted that the Iranian regime has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, one of the main routes for oil and gas supplies to the global market.
"It is important that those who are now turning to Ukraine for support continue helping our defense, and our air defense in particular," the president added.
Zelenskyy also recalled that Ukraine had proposed a drone deal to the United States. Being with Ukrainians in drone production and their use is the right path, he said.
"Everyone now sees that there is no alternative to this path. Ukraine has the world’s largest experience in countering strike drones, and without our experience, it will be very difficult for the Gulf region, the entire Middle East, and partners in Europe and America to build strong protection. We are ready to help those who help us, who help Ukraine," Zelenskyy stressed.
According to him, Umerov, together with the military, intelligence services, the Defense Ministry, and the Foreign Ministry, will prepare specific agreements.
For his part, Lytvyn clarified that the NSDC Secretary will visit several countries.
"There are several tasks, and one of them is to finalize agreements on protection," he said.
Rumors about a deal with Saudi Arabia
Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia might purchase a large number of Ukrainian drone interceptors and electronic warfare (EW) systems.
According to unconfirmed reports, the contract could be worth millions of dollars.
