Kiev: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has described his recent visit to the Middle East as a success, saying the trip has helped Ukraine secure important defence and energy agreements at a time of growing global uncertainty.
Speaking after the tour, Zelenskiy said Ukraine reached what he called historic understandings with countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. He added that discussions are continuing with other regional nations such as Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
The agreements focus mainly on defence cooperation and energy support. Ukraine has offered to share its battlefield experience, especially in countering drones and missile attacks, which has become one of its key strengths during the ongoing war with Russia. Officials said more than 200 Ukrainian experts have already been sent to assist partners in improving their air defence capabilities.
Zelenskiy said the cooperation could last for several years and may include joint production of defence systems. He noted that Ukraine is now not only receiving support from allies but also contributing its own expertise as a security partner.
Energy was another major outcome of the visit. Ukraine secured agreements for diesel supplies for about one year, which is seen as critical for both military operations and farming activities. Diesel remains the most important fuel for the country, especially as the war continues to affect its energy infrastructure.
The visit comes at a time when global attention has shifted partly towards tensions in the Middle East. Zelenskiy acknowledged that some international support, including air defence systems, is being redirected to that region. This has increased the need for Ukraine to build new partnerships and secure alternative sources of support.
He also indicated that Ukraine is open to reducing attacks on Russian energy targets if Moscow agrees to stop striking Ukraine’s own energy infrastructure. According to him, any such move would depend on mutual steps to ease tensions.
The Middle East trip highlights Ukraine’s efforts to expand its diplomatic reach beyond its traditional Western allies. By combining defence cooperation with energy agreements, Kyiv is trying to strengthen its position as both a partner and a country facing ongoing conflict.
Zelenskiy said the agreements reached during the visit will help Ukraine remain stable and better prepared as the war continues.
Speaking after the tour, Zelenskiy said Ukraine reached what he called historic understandings with countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. He added that discussions are continuing with other regional nations such as Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
The agreements focus mainly on defence cooperation and energy support. Ukraine has offered to share its battlefield experience, especially in countering drones and missile attacks, which has become one of its key strengths during the ongoing war with Russia. Officials said more than 200 Ukrainian experts have already been sent to assist partners in improving their air defence capabilities.
Zelenskiy said the cooperation could last for several years and may include joint production of defence systems. He noted that Ukraine is now not only receiving support from allies but also contributing its own expertise as a security partner.
Energy was another major outcome of the visit. Ukraine secured agreements for diesel supplies for about one year, which is seen as critical for both military operations and farming activities. Diesel remains the most important fuel for the country, especially as the war continues to affect its energy infrastructure.
The visit comes at a time when global attention has shifted partly towards tensions in the Middle East. Zelenskiy acknowledged that some international support, including air defence systems, is being redirected to that region. This has increased the need for Ukraine to build new partnerships and secure alternative sources of support.
He also indicated that Ukraine is open to reducing attacks on Russian energy targets if Moscow agrees to stop striking Ukraine’s own energy infrastructure. According to him, any such move would depend on mutual steps to ease tensions.
The Middle East trip highlights Ukraine’s efforts to expand its diplomatic reach beyond its traditional Western allies. By combining defence cooperation with energy agreements, Kyiv is trying to strengthen its position as both a partner and a country facing ongoing conflict.
Zelenskiy said the agreements reached during the visit will help Ukraine remain stable and better prepared as the war continues.