Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates will cooperate in the field of defense. Volodymyr Zelensky: “Our teams will finalize the details”
Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of security and defense, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Saturday, amid the escalation of drone attacks in the Middle East.
Zelensky in Qatar. PHOTO X/@ZelenskyyUa
The statement comes after a surprise visit of the leader from Kiev to the United Arab Emirates, followed by a trip to Qatar, confirmed by the authorities in the region. Zelenski's visit comes just a day after a similar deal was signed with Saudi Arabia, as the Persian Gulf states grapple with drone and missile attacks attributed to Iran.
In Abu Dhabi, Zelenski met with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two leaders agreed to develop defense cooperation.
“We have agreed to cooperate on security and defense. Our teams will finalize the details,” the Ukrainian president said.
Ukraine offers expertise in combating drones
Kiev is trying to capitalize on the experience gained in the war with Russia, especially in the field of anti-drone defense.
Ukraine has already sent experts to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to support defense against airstrikes as drones have become a major threat in the region.
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has relevant expertise in this field and is ready not only to receive support, but also to provide help to its partners.
Defense technology exchange proposal
The Ukrainian leader proposed an exchange of military capabilities: drone interceptors developed by Ukraine in exchange for air defense systems used by the Gulf states, which are much more expensive.
Kiev urgently needs such systems to deal with almost daily missile attacks launched by Russia since the start of the 2022 invasion.
Message from Qatar: “Security is built through partnership”
After his visit to the Emirates, Zelenski arrived in Qatar, where he delivered a message on the importance of international cooperation.
“Protection must be sufficient everywhere. That is why we are open to a collaboration that, from a strategic perspective,” he declared.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that a strategic cooperation in the field of defense will contribute to strengthening security and protecting lives in all the states involved.
