Kyiv: Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is holding talks with Gulf countries including Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain to strengthen security cooperation, as Kyiv seeks to share its experience in countering drone attacks.
The discussions come as Ukraine continues to face Russian strikes using Iranian made drones. Ukrainian officials say their forces have developed effective methods to detect and intercept such threats during the ongoing war with Russia.
President Zelenskyy said Ukraine is offering its expertise in air defence and electronic warfare systems to partners in the Gulf. These systems have been tested in real battle conditions and are now seen as valuable by countries facing similar risks in the Middle East.
Ukraine has already signed security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and also reached a deal with the United Arab Emirates. As part of these efforts, more than 200 Ukrainian specialists have been deployed to the region to support defence cooperation and share technical knowledge.
Officials say these teams have helped in countering long range drones by using low cost interception systems and advanced electronic measures. This growing cooperation reflects a shift in Ukraine’s role from a country receiving military aid to one that is also providing defence support to others.
The talks are also linked to wider regional concerns about drone and missile threats, especially those connected to tensions involving Iran. Gulf countries are looking for reliable partners who can help strengthen their defence systems against such attacks.
Alongside security cooperation, Ukraine is also discussing energy partnerships with these nations. Talks include possible supplies of oil and diesel, which are important for Ukraine as it continues to deal with damage to its energy infrastructure caused by the war.
President Zelenskyy indicated that some of these partnerships could develop into long term agreements lasting several years. This would deepen ties between Ukraine and countries in the Middle East in both security and economic areas.
The latest talks show how Ukraine is using its wartime experience to build new international partnerships, while also seeking support to meet its own security and energy needs.