Ukraine has expanded its network of defence partnerships in the Gulf as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy secured new agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar during visits to both countries on Saturday, amid heightened instability across the Middle East.
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence announced that Doha and Kyiv had signed a defence cooperation agreement covering the exchange of expertise on countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems, an area of increasing concern as drone and missile attacks escalate across the region.
Speaking during an online briefing, Zelenskiy said Ukraine was entering long-term commitments with Gulf nations.
“We are talking about a 10-year partnership. We have already signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia, and we have just signed a similar 10-year agreement with Qatar,” he said. “We will also sign a 10-year agreement with the UAE. It will happen within the next several days.”
Earlier in the day, Zelenskiy met UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in security and defence.
The diplomatic outreach comes as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran continues to destabilise the region, killing more than 2,000 people, disrupting global markets and effectively shutting the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukraine Offers Drone and Air-Defence Expertise
Ukraine has offered its air-defence systems and drone technology to countries in the Middle East, positioning itself as a strategic partner at a time when drone attacks have severely impacted energy infrastructure.
More than 200 Ukrainian military and security specialists are already deployed across the region, advising governments on intercepting drone strikes and strengthening defensive capabilities.
Zelenskiy said the discussions were aimed at building strategic relationships and attracting investment into Ukraine’s defence industry. The talks also focused on weapons co-production, technology exchange, and securing energy and fuel supplies for Ukraine.
Ukraine Secures Diesel Supply
The Ukrainian president confirmed that a one-year diesel supply arrangement had been agreed, though he did not disclose the volume or the supplying country.
He said diesel remained essential for both the armed forces and Ukraine’s agricultural sector.
“Ukraine needs about 700,000 litres of diesel a month,” he noted, adding that the military was fully supplied.
The Gulf tour follows Zelenskiy’s earlier visit to Saudi Arabia, where Kyiv also signed a defence cooperation agreement as Ukraine seeks broader military and economic support amid uncertainty surrounding future Western aid.
