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Zelensky makes surprise visit to Saudi Arabia — Gulf states seek Ukraine anti-drone expertise against Iranian weapons
·Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia for 'important meetings.' Gulf states are seeking Ukrainian expertise in countering Iranian-made drones — the same drone types Russia has used against Ukraine for three years. The visit connects the Iran war and Ukraine war through shared weapons technology.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia on 26 March 2026, announcing 'important meetings are scheduled.' Gulf states have been seeking Ukrainian expertise in countering Iranian-made drones, which Russia has used against Ukraine for three years and Iran has deployed in the current war. Zelensky on X: 'Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security.' The visit links the Ukraine war and Iran war through the shared use of Iranian drone technology.
zelenskysaudi-arabiaukrainedronesgulfiran-war
Actor responses
The US has not commented on Zelensky's Saudi visit. Gulf states are seeking Ukrainian anti-drone expertise relevant to countering the same Iranian-made drones deployed in the Iran war.
Iran has not commented on Zelensky's visit. Iranian drone technology — deployed against Ukraine by Russia and directly by Iran in the current war — is the focus of Gulf states' interest in Ukrainian expertise.
Sources