Volodymyr Zelenskiy has announced that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a framework agreement on defence cooperation, laying the groundwork for future contracts, technological collaboration, and investments.
The announcement came during an unannounced visit to the Gulf on Friday, where Zelenskiy is seeking to strengthen support for Ukraine as its conflict with Russia enters its fifth year.
The visit highlights Kyiv’s efforts to broaden diplomatic and military backing beyond its traditional Western partners.
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The framework deal was signed ahead of a meeting with Mohammed bin Salman.
“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,”Zelenskiy said on the Telegram app.
“Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he said.
Zelenskiy’s visit follows a report by the Washington Post on Thursday that the United States is considering redirecting weapons originally intended for Ukraine to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran strains American munitions stocks.
Ukraine has sent more than 220 military experts to advise Middle Eastern countries on intercepting drone attacks that have disrupted energy infrastructure across the region.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy said “Kyiv is seeking funding and advanced technology in exchange for expanded military cooperation.”
During the visit, he also met Ukrainian military experts deployed in Saudi Arabia. A video released by his office showed members of the Ukrainian General Staff, including air defence specialists and officials from the Security Service of Ukraine.
The delegation held workshops for Saudi officials, briefed the Saudi General Staff, and prepared to share practical experience in air defence operations.
Drones have become a decisive force in Ukraine’s war with Russia, with Kyiv rapidly expanding domestic production to offset Russia’s manpower advantage.
Zelenskiy added that, with adequate funding, Ukraine could scale up production to about 2,000 drone interceptors daily.
NAN