Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined a series of 10-year agreements with key Gulf nations, describing it as a major step toward strengthening both regional security ties and Ukraine’s wartime resilience.
In March, Zelensky traveled to the Middle East, where he secured key deals with Gulf State leaders. Speaking to reporters this week, he said the agreements focus on long-term defense cooperation, energy security, and economic support.
Zelensky said Ukraine deployed military specialists to the region to share battlefield-tested expertise, particularly in countering drone threats.
“We sent our military experts to the Middle East, including specialists in interceptor drones and electronic warfare,” he said. “We demonstrated to some countries how to work with interceptors… Did we destroy Iranian ‘shaheds?’ Yes, we did.… in several [countries]. And in my view, this is a success.”
He emphasized that the effort was not a training exercise but a hands-on initiative to strengthen air defense systems.
“This was not about a training mission … but about support in building a modern air defense system that can actually work,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukrainian experts were able to assess and improve existing systems quickly. “All of this has had a very positive outcome, and it commands respect for Ukraine.”
Zelensky also pointed to advances in countering more sophisticated threats.
“We also shot down drones with jet engines… Now it is only a matter of time before we begin mass production of interceptors that will destroy drones with jet engines,” he said.
Beyond military cooperation, Zelensky said Ukraine has already finalized long-term agreements with multiple countries in the region and is expanding talks with others.
“We have arranged ten-year agreements with three countries. Ukrainian companies will work with the armed forces of these countries to protect specific facilities,” he said. “Security talks are currently underway with Oman, and we are also in discussions with Kuwait and Bahrain.”
In exchange, Ukraine is receiving a mix of military, financial, and energy support, he said.
“In some cases, it involves interceptors to protect our energy infrastructure; in others, there are financial arrangements,” Zelensky said. “There are also supplies of oil and diesel for Ukraine.… In some cases, we receive crude oil … in others … finished products – diesel.”
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He framed the agreements as mutually beneficial partnerships rather than simple aid.
“So in essence, we are helping strengthen their security in exchange for contributions to our country’s resilience – and this is far more than simply receiving money,” Zelensky said.