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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that Ukraine has agreed on defense cooperation with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates during a Gulf tour, including efforts to counter missile and drone threats, as Iran continues an aerial campaign in the region.
Qatar and Ukraine signed a defense agreement that includes cooperation in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems, according to a statement from Qatar’s defense ministry.
The agreement also covers collaboration in technological fields, joint investments and the exchange of expertise.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine had also agreed to cooperate on defense with the United Arab Emirates, with details to be finalized by both sides.
The Ukrainian president said the agreements form part of a broader framework of long-term cooperation with Gulf countries.
“We are talking about a 10-year cooperation. We have already signed a relevant agreement with Saudi Arabia, we have just signed a similar agreement with Qatar, also for 10 years, we will sign one with the Emirates,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
Ukraine signed an air defense agreement with Saudi Arabia earlier this week during Zelenskyy’s visit to the kingdom.
He added that the agreements include plans for co-production and the development of production lines in Ukraine and partner countries.
“Over these 10 years we will be engaged in co-production, building plants in both countries – production lines in Ukraine as well as in these countries,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine has sought to leverage its experience in countering drones, particularly since Russia’s invasion in 2022, to support Gulf countries facing similar threats.
Kyiv has deployed anti-drone experts to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates during Zelenskyy’s tour.
Ukrainian drone manufacturers have received increased requests from the Middle East since the outbreak of the regional conflict, as Ukraine has developed into a major hub for drone production.
“Neither the U.S., nor Europe, nor the Middle East are prepared for drone warfare,” a Ukrainian drone unit commander said, speaking anonymously.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine has “undoubtedly changed the geopolitical situation” and emphasized that the country offers unique expertise in this field.
During his visit, Zelenskyy held talks in the United Arab Emirates with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and said both sides agreed to cooperate on security and defense.
He said the agreements with three Middle Eastern countries involve “10-year strategic-level contracts” worth “billions” for Ukrainian exporters.
“I won't say the exact figure, but we're talking billions, not millions, specifically billions for our exporters – everyone will earn, Ukraine will earn,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine has promoted its anti-drone systems and proposed exchanging its interceptors for more expensive air defense missiles used by Gulf countries to counter Iranian drones.
Zelenskyy also met Ukrainian anti-drone experts working in the region, saying Ukraine is ready not only to receive support but also to assist its partners.
“Today, Ukraine not only needs assistance but is also ready to support those who support us,” he said.
The agreements come as Gulf states face increasing security challenges amid ongoing regional tensions.
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