Zelenskyy says Ukraine has signed drone deals with three Gulf countries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Kyiv has signed “three big security documents” with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, focused on drone cooperation and defense capabilities.

“These will translate into many different contracts with both the private and public sectors of Ukraine,” he told CNN.

Ukraine is offering expertise gained from countering Iranian-designed drones used by Russia in the war. Moscow has deployed Shahed drones extensively, the same type used in Iranian attacks across the Gulf.

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Zelenskyy noted that while a Shahed drone can cost between $80,000 and $130,000, it can be intercepted with systems costing as little as $10,000 – far cheaper than traditional air defense missiles priced in the millions.

“We want to help them defend themselves. And we will continue building such partnerships with other countries,” he said.

Ukraine is prepared to provide expertise, training missions, and software to integrate different military systems, as well as supply affordable drones and establish co-production lines, Zelenskyy added.

He also said such cooperation should extend to the United States. “I would be proud if we could do it because we are very thankful to the US for its support,” he said.

The agreements come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf states following the outbreak of war involving Iran, the United States and Israel on February 28. Tehran accuses Gulf countries of allowing US forces to launch attacks from their territory, and launched missile and drone strikes against what it calls US interests in those countries throughout the war.

Gulf states have repeatedly denied those accusations, saying even before the conflict that they would not allow their territory or airspace to be used to attack Iran.

Zelenskyy visited the region in March, during which Ukraine signed defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.

He also voiced support for the current ceasefire in the Middle East, saying any pause in fighting helps save lives.

“I think any pause in the war is good, because you stop losing people… If you can save lives, it’s always great,” Zelenskyy said. “Of course, lasting peace is the best way to end the war, but if that’s not possible at this point, any pause is valuable.”

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