Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Signs Defense Cooperation Deals in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Ukrainian President’s Diplomatic Mission to Qatar and Saudi Arabia

According to UATV: On March 28, 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where he held discussions on defense collaboration and inked related agreements. This trip was part of a broader tour across Persian Gulf nations aimed at strengthening security and defense ties.

In Qatar, Zelenskyy met with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The talks resulted in the signing of defense cooperation pacts between Ukraine and Qatar. Two days earlier, on March 26, 2023, the Ukrainian president made an unannounced visit to Jeddah for negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Those discussions also led to defense cooperation agreements between Ukraine and Saudi Arabia.

Zelenskyy stated that 'cooperation can be mutually beneficial' and expressed a willingness to 'share our expertise and system with Saudi Arabia.'

He further emphasized that 'for all normal states, it is crucial to ensure stability and protect life in the face of modern threats.' A seminar focusing on regional security issues was organized as part of the visit.

Notably, more than 200 Ukrainian military specialists are currently deployed across the region, including in Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Oleksiy Buryachenko highlighted that 'we are not selling technologies—we are building joint production.' During the initial phase of the seminar, a General Staff representative noted that 'this involves various forms of support.'

Strategic Importance of the Partnership

According to available data, by 2026, Ukraine’s defense industry will be capable of producing over 8 million FPV drones annually. The ongoing US-Israeli military operation against Iran underscores the relevance of the security and defense issues discussed during the Ukrainian president’s visit.

Zelenskyy’s trip highlights the growing strategic significance of the Persian Gulf region amid global security challenges. Cooperation between Ukraine and Gulf states could become a key factor in bolstering defense capabilities and promoting regional stability. The signed agreements and active participation of Ukrainian military personnel in exercises reflect Kyiv’s ambition to expand its presence and influence in the international defense arena.