Ukraine’s defense capabilities could open new avenues for cooperation with Kuwait and the wider Gulf, Ukrainian Ambassador to Kuwait Maksym Subkh said.

Speaking to local press ahead of Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day on August 24, Subkh said Ukraine is ready to share its experience with Kuwait to help strengthen the capabilities of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces.

“We aim to provide an integrated security service and offer advice to the Kuwaiti side ... and help them confront current security challenges,” he said.

The cooperation follows Kuwait’s ratification of Decree-Law No 66 of 2026, formalizing a defense cooperation agreement signed with Ukraine in 2018. The agreement provides for personnel training, joint defense and military projects, joint planning, and coordination between the chiefs of staff of the Ukrainian and Kuwaiti Armed Forces, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported.

Asked whether Ukraine could support Kuwait with drones or armored vehicles, given its experience in developing and using such equipment, Subkh said the purpose of the agreement was not simply to market or sell Ukrainian military equipment.

Rather, he said, the focus is on sharing expertise and building a broader security partnership. Subkh also expressed Ukraine’s support for Kuwait during what he described as a challenging period, drawing parallels between the security concerns facing Ukraine and those confronting countries in the Gulf.

“We share a common fate and face similar and comparable challenges,” Subkh said. “We must take coordinated steps between our two countries to confront these challenges efficiently and effectively, in order to protect the lives of civilians and critical infrastructure.”

Subkh said Ukraine already had a highly developed defense industry, while the ongoing conflict had given the country additional practical experience in developing and using military equipment. “We have the expertise, and unfortunately, we acquired this expertise through the open war that we are living through,” he said, describing it as a “unique experience.”

He added that Ukraine also has production capabilities and, in some areas, quantities of military equipment exceeding the needs of its Armed Forces, allowing certain equipment to be exported.

On drones, Subkh said their growing role in modern warfare has made them increasingly important to Ukraine’s defense industry.

“Drones are cheaper and faster, and they can be produced locally in Ukraine. We have the expertise and we have the skilled personnel,” he said. The anniversary comes as Ukraine continues to face the effects of Russia’s ongoing war, including repeated attacks on its cities and critical infrastructure

Subkh further highlighted Ukraine’s potential role in supporting global food security through its agricultural sector. “We see an opportunity for Ukraine and Kuwait, in cooperation with international organizations and the United Nations, to play an active role in supporting global food security,” he said. (KUNA; Photo © Yasser Al-Zayyat/KUNA)