Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen cooperation on defence, as Iranian drone attacks continue across the Gulf.
Zelensky is on an unannounced tour of the region, having visited Saudi Arabia earlier this week before travelling on to the UAE and Qatar. The trip comes as tensions escalate following Tehran’s drone strikes in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks.
Kyiv has sought to position itself as a key security partner by leveraging its battlefield experience against Russian drones. Ukrainian anti-drone specialists have already been deployed to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
Following talks in Riyadh on Thursday—where Zelensky announced a defence agreement with Saudi Arabia—the Ukrainian leader met Emirati president Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
“We agreed to cooperate in the field of security and defence. Our teams will finalise the details,” Zelensky said.
“For all normal states, it is important to ensure stability and protect lives amid today’s threats. Ukraine has relevant expertise in this area.”
Later on Saturday, Zelensky confirmed his arrival in Qatar, stressing the importance of regional partnerships.
“Real security is built on partnership—we value everyone and remain open to supporting all those who are ready to work together for this goal,” he said.
Ukraine has promoted its air-defence and counter-drone capabilities—honed during Russia’s invasion—as among the most effective in the world. Kyiv is seeking to expand cooperation with Gulf states, including proposals to exchange its interceptor technology for more advanced missile systems currently used in the region.
“Protection must be sufficient everywhere. That is why we are open to joint work that, in a strategic perspective, will strengthen our peoples and the protection of life in our countries,” Zelensky said.
During his visit to the UAE, Zelensky also met Ukrainian specialists already deployed in the country, praising their role in “helping to protect lives.”
“Today, Ukraine not only needs assistance but is also ready to support those who support us,” he added.
