In 48 hours, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, signed three defence agreements across three Gulf capitals, secured a 10-year industrial partnership, deployed over 200 specialists, and positioned Ukraine as the sole provider of the one capability America’s $3.9 million Patriot cannot replicate: cheap, high-volume, battle-proven drone interception at $2,100 per unit.
Zelensky hailed his Middle East tour to promote anti-drone technologies as a success, saying on Saturday that he had negotiated air defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
On Sunday, he concluded his trip to the region by meeting with King Abdallah II of Jordan in Amman.
On Saturday, the Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the Ukrainian President discussed the latest developments in regional and international affairs amid rising tensions in the region, including the ongoing Iranian aggression against Qatar and several regional countries.
During a meeting held at the Amir’s office in Lusail Palace, the Ukrainian President renewed his country’s solidarity with Qatar, condemning the Iranian aggression and affirming Ukraine’s support for measures taken by Qatar to protect its sovereignty, security, and the safety of its citizens.
HH the Amir welcomed the Ukrainian President and his accompanying delegation, expressing gratitude and appreciation for the President’s Ukraine’s supportive stance in this regard, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.
On arrival at Doha International Airport, the Ukrainian President and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and Ambassador of Ukraine to Qatar HE Andrii Kuzmenko.
Ukraine and Qatar have signed a defence cooperation agreement during Zelenskyy’s visit to Doha. Qatar’s Defence Ministry said the agreement includes cooperation in countering missile threats and unmanned aerial systems, as well as the exchange of expertise between the two countries. The deal comes as Ukraine draws on its experience defending against drone and missile attacks during its war with Russia.
Ukraine has also agreed to cooperate on defence with the United Arab Emirates amid escalating tensions in the region. Earlier this month, the Ukrainian President said military teams had been sent to several Gulf states and Jordan, Al Jazeera news channel reported.
Zelenskky said his country is capable of producing at least 2,000 interceptors per day - half of which are required for its own defence and the remainder available for use by Kyiv’s allies.
“If a Shahed needs to be stopped in the Emirates - we can do it. If it needs to be stopped in Europe or the United Kingdom - we can do it. It is a matter of technology, investment, and cooperation,” he stressed.
Meantime, Ukrainian companies have started building 10 factories to produce interceptor drones “behind the state’s back” in different parts of the world, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported, citing a recent statement by Zelenskky during a video conference with journalists.
He further noted Ukraine already has 10-year strategic contracts with three Middle Eastern countries worth billions of dollars, guaranteeing stable exports and revenue for Ukrainian manufacturers. (QNA; Interfax-Ukraine; Photo © QNA)
