Zelensky seals anti-drone security deals with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar after Middle East tour — offers Ukrainian drone-war expertise

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared his Middle East tour a success in his nightly video address on March 30, announcing security cooperation accords with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Zelensky said he also had discussions with Jordan and Kuwait, while Bahrain and Oman had expressed interest in similar arrangements. Zelensky framed the tour as Ukraine offering practical expertise in countering Iranian-designed drones — the same type Russia has used against Ukraine since Moscow's February 2022 invasion. 'This is a very concrete and practical matter. We are exporting our defense system, the skills of our warriors and the knowledge our state possesses,' he said. Ukraine expects 'corresponding security cooperation' including air defense exchanges, defense production development, and energy cooperation including diesel supplies for Ukraine's war effort. The accords represent Ukraine's entry as a defence technology partner in the Iran-linked Gulf security architecture, establishing a channel that deepens Gulf states' integration with the anti-Iranian coalition. Ukraine's anti-drone expertise is directly relevant to the Gulf states' experience of Iranian BM and drone strikes during the conflict.