IRIA News

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia on March 26, 2026, in an effort to strengthen and expand Kyiv’s security partnership in the Gulf as Ukraine’s war with Russia continues.

“Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security,” Zelenskyy said in a message shared on X.

His visit comes as Ukraine positions itself as a global provider of drone warfare expertise, offering battlefield-tested technology and operational knowledge to countries facing emerging aerial threats.

Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s experience in drone warfare, emphasizing how it could contribute to strengthening security in the Gulf region.

“This matters because energy security, and the cost of living, particularly in Europe, depends on their oil, gas, and other resources, and stable global markets,” he said in a video message to the Joint Expeditionary Force summit in Helsinki.

He stressed that Ukraine’s advantage lies not only in producing drones but also in integrating them effectively into broader defense systems.

“The key is not only producing new weapons – especially drones – not just technology, but also real experience in using it, and integrating it with radars, aviation, and other air defence systems. We have this experience,” he said.

Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security. pic.twitter.com/5n6Qa72MID

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 26, 2026

Over the past three years, Ukraine has developed extensive capabilities in countering and deploying drones, particularly against Iranian-made systems used by Russia. This experience has drawn interest from several Gulf countries concerned about similar threats.

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign ‘mutually beneficial’ defense deal

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense cooperation agreement, laying the groundwork for future contracts, technological collaboration, and investment, President Zelenskyy said. During an unannounced visit to the Gulf, Zelenskyy aims to strengthen support for Ukraine in its fifth year of war with Russia, amid uncertainties over U.S. military supplies due to the conflict with Iran.

The framework agreement was signed ahead of Zelenskyy’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and work together to protect lives,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram. “Saudi Arabia also has capabilities of interest to Ukraine, making this cooperation mutually beneficial.”

Saudi Arabia’s state news agency confirmed the signing of a memorandum on defense procurement.

Growing Demand from the Gulf

Several Ukrainian defense companies have confirmed that interest from Gulf states is already increasing, particularly in counter-drone technologies.

Kvertus, a Ukrainian firm specializing in electronic warfare systems, said it had been approached by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

“We are waiting for approval to export any products. We understand that we need to coordinate with our government because it’s not only about business, about selling drones, it’s about politics,” said the company’s chief executive officer, Yaroslav Filimonov.

Similarly, TAF Industries, another Ukrainian manufacturer, reported contacts from multiple countries in the region. Volodymyr Zinovsky, the company’s CEO, said Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait had all shown interest, but discussions remain on hold pending government approval.

“All of us are working to protect Ukraine, to stay with Ukraine, and to keep Ukraine alive. This is about survival. And if we need to wait a few months, we will,” he said.

These responses highlight a broader reality: Ukraine’s defense exports are closely tied to national security priorities, with Kyiv carefully balancing economic opportunities against wartime needs.

Technology for Air Defense

Zelenskyy has made clear that Ukraine is not only offering support but also seeking it in return.

“We would like Middle Eastern states to also allow us to strengthen ourselves. They have certain air defense missiles, of which we don’t have enough. That’s what we’d like to reach a deal on,” he said in an interview with the French newspaper Le Monde.

This proposed exchange reflects Ukraine’s urgent need to replenish its air defense systems, which have been heavily used to counter ongoing missile and drone attacks.

At the same time, Gulf states are looking to enhance their own defenses against drone threats, particularly those linked to Iran and its regional allies.

This convergence of needs creates a potential framework for cooperation, though political approvals and strategic considerations remain key obstacles.

Global Energy and Security Concerns

Zelenskyy also linked security in the Gulf directly to global economic stability, underscoring the wider implications of regional instability.

Energy supplies from Gulf countries play a central role in global markets, and disruptions can have immediate effects on prices and cost of living, particularly in Europe.

By offering security cooperation, Ukraine is positioning itself as a stakeholder not only in regional defense but also in broader global stability.

However, Ukraine’s efforts come at a time of shifting international dynamics, particularly involving the United States.

Reports suggest that Washington is considering redirecting some weapons originally intended for Ukraine to the Middle East, as tensions involving Iran place new demands on U.S. military resources.

According to those reports, the Pentagon is reviewing whether to divert critical munitions due to ongoing conflicts in the region.

Asked about the possibility, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged that such decisions are not unusual. “We do that all the time. Sometimes we take from one, and we use for another,” he said.

If implemented, such a shift could increase pressure on Ukraine to secure alternative sources of military support, making potential deals with Gulf states even more significant.

Drone Warfare at the Center of Modern Conflict

The growing focus on drones reflects a broader transformation in modern warfare. In Ukraine, drones have played a central role in both offensive and defensive operations, from reconnaissance to targeted strikes and electronic warfare.

Gulf countries, facing their own security challenges, are increasingly looking to adopt similar technologies to counter evolving threats.

Many of these concerns are linked to Iranian-made drones, which have been used extensively in regional conflicts and have demonstrated their effectiveness in Ukraine.

This shared threat perception is one of the key drivers behind the emerging interest in Ukrainian expertise.

Strategic Implications

Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents more than a diplomatic engagement. It signals Ukraine’s attempt to expand its strategic reach, diversify its partnerships, and leverage its wartime experience in new ways.

While concrete agreements have yet to be announced, the discussions point to a potential shift in how Ukraine engages with partners outside its traditional sphere.

At the same time, the outcome will depend on multiple factors, including political approvals, military priorities, and the evolving global security environment.

For now, Ukraine’s message is clear: its battlefield experience has become a valuable asset, one that it is ready to share, provided it helps strengthen its own position in an ongoing and demanding war.