Ukraine Expands Defence Ties With UAE, Qatar
Ukraine has agreed to deepen defence cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy steps up his Gulf outreach amid rising regional tensions and continued uncertainty over support for Kyiv’s war effort. The new engagements signal Ukraine’s effort to build longer-term security partnerships beyond its traditional Western backers.
Ukraine Expands Defence Ties With UAE And Qatar
During his Gulf visit, Zelenskyy said Ukraine had already signed a 10-year defence cooperation agreement with Qatar and earlier reached a similar understanding with Saudi Arabia. He also said a comparable long-term agreement with the UAE would be signed in the coming days. The talks with the UAE focused on cooperation in security and defence, while Qatar said its pact with Kyiv includes exchange of expertise on countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems.
Kyiv Offers Drone And Air Defence Expertise
Ukraine is presenting its battlefield experience as a strategic asset for Gulf countries facing rising regional threats. Zelenskyy said Kyiv is offering air-defence knowledge and drone technology. The talks also covered weapons co-production and the sharing of operational experience, reflecting Ukraine’s attempt to convert wartime experience into strategic partnerships.
Gulf Outreach Also Targets Energy And Funding Support
Zelenskyy said his discussions in the Gulf were also aimed at securing investment for Ukrainian weapons production and ensuring energy support. He said Ukraine had agreed on diesel supplies for a year, though he did not identify the supplier. The outreach comes as Kyiv looks for new funding and strategic backing while global attention remains heavily focused on the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
