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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Kyiv expects Middle Eastern countries to support Ukraine with diesel fuel supplies in return for assistance in countering Iranian-made Shahed drones, highlighting growing security and energy cooperation between Ukraine and the region.
Speaking to the Ukraine-based ICTV channel, Zelenskyy said that during his Middle East visit, he is working to resolve Ukraine’s diesel supply needs, saying he is “closing the issue” of fuel deliveries to Kyiv.
He said Ukraine is sharing its experience and technical knowledge with Middle Eastern partners to help them better protect civilian infrastructure and populations, emphasizing that Iranian drones remain a major security threat in the region despite advanced air defense systems.
Zelenskyy said he held two “important meetings” during the trip and described the talks as “positive” for Ukraine but did not disclose further details about the discussions.
Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia reached an “important arrangement” on defense cooperation during his visit to the Gulf country.
He said his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman focused on regional developments in the Middle East and the Gulf, as well as issues related to fuel supplies.
During the visit, Zelenskyy also met Ukrainian military experts who have been in the Gulf country for the past week, working with local authorities to help counter Iranian drone threats.
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The discussions come as Ukraine continues to seek energy supplies and expand defense cooperation abroad while facing ongoing security challenges linked to Iranian drone technology.
Meanwhile, for nearly a month, the US and Israel have carried out an air offensive on Iran, killing more than 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damaging infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
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