Ukraine establishes defense collaboration with the UAE and Qatar during Zelenskiy’s visit to the Gulf
Ukraine reached an agreement on Saturday to collaborate on defense with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited both nations amidst rising tensions in the region.
On Saturday, Qatar’s defense ministry announced that Doha and Kyiv have formalized a defense cooperation agreement, which encompasses the sharing of expertise in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems. “This partnership is set to last for 10 years.” Zelenskiy informed reporters during an online briefing, “We have already signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia, and we have just signed a similar 10-year agreement with Qatar.”
We will additionally enter into a 10-year agreement with the UAE. It is set to occur in the coming days.
Zelenskiy had previously visited the UAE, where he met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, resulting in an agreement for cooperation in security and defense.
The conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 individuals, disrupted global markets, and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Kyiv presents drone technology and expertise.
Ukraine has provided its air-defense expertise and drone technology to neighboring countries.
Zelenskiy aims to garner support from the Gulf nations in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, now entering its fifth year, as Western military assistance encounters fresh uncertainties and Kyiv seeks funds to address its budget deficit and finance domestic weapon production.
Over 200 Ukrainian military and security specialists have been sent to assist Middle Eastern nations in intercepting drone attacks that have caused significant disruption to energy infrastructure throughout the region.
Zelenskiy stated that during his visits, he aimed to establish strategic relationships with the Gulf region and secure funding to invest in weapons production in Ukraine.
Zelenskiy stated that the discussions centered on weapons co-production, sharing experiences, and ensuring energy and fuel supplies to Ukraine.
Zelenskiy has agreed to a year-long arrangement for diesel supplies to Ukraine, although he did not disclose further specifics. Diesel plays a crucial role for the Ukrainian armed forces as well as for the agricultural sector of the country.
Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine needed approximately 700,000 liters of diesel each month, and he noted that the army was fully supplied.
Earlier this week, Zelenskiy visited Saudi Arabia, where the two countries signed an agreement on defense cooperation.
