Zelenskyy meets Ukrainian military experts in Saudi Arabia
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian military experts who have been working in Saudi Arabia for over a week, according to a statement from the head of state.
Military officials reported to the president on the first results of the team's work and conclusions, both at the operational and at a broader level.
"Our experts' main task in air defense in this region is to identify problematic issues and determine what changes are needed to strengthen the protection of people and lives from Iranian Shahed drones and missiles," Zelenskyy said.
According to him, there are specific things "we can do together with our partners."
The president noted that even in such a short time, Ukrainian experts have managed to significantly share their experience and show how Ukrainians protect lives and infrastructure.
"Ukraine's expertise is unique — this is recognized, and that is why everyone is so interested in our technologies and experience. We are ready to support the protection of those who help us defend our independence," he emphasized.
They also discussed key points of what is needed to strengthen air defense in Saudi Arabia, primarily regarding approaches to shooting down drones.
"Ukraine is ready for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation. I am proud of our people and the strength of Ukraine," Zelenskyy added.
Ukrainian military in the Middle East
A week ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is negotiating with Middle Eastern countries on defense agreements and, at the same time, offering the United States a so-called drone deal.
Currently, 228 Ukrainian military experts are in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan.
In particular, the fact that up to eight Patriot missiles costing over $3 million each were used for one target.
Allies also did not use complex calculations that Ukraine has developed over the years of war to improve the interception of enemy targets.
In addition, Ukrainian specialists pointed out a critical issue of camouflage: expensive allied radars remained in one place for months and were destroyed by several cheap Shahed drones.
At the same time, the United States requested expert support from Ukraine for its military in the Middle East, and Zelenskyy instructed National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov to involve the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to assess the situation around the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukrainian teams are already assisting five countries in building protection against Shahed drones, and requests are also coming from other states.
