Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a framework agreement on defence cooperation, establishing the foundation for future contracts, technological collaboration, and investments.

Mr Zelenskiy’s announcement came during an unannounced visit to the Gulf, where he is seeking to bolster support for Ukraine as its war with Russia enters its fifth year.

The visit underscores Kyiv’s efforts to expand diplomatic and military backing beyond traditional Western partners as the conflict drags on.

The framework agreement was signed ahead of a meeting with Mohammed bin Salman.

“We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” Mr Zelenskiy said on the Telegram app.

“Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial,” he added.

Mr Zelenskiy’s visit follows a report by the Washington Post on Thursday that the United States is considering redirecting weapons originally intended for Ukraine to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran strains American munitions stocks.

Ukraine has sent more than 220 military experts to advise Middle Eastern countries on intercepting drone attacks that have disrupted energy infrastructure across the region.

Mr Zelenskiy said Kyiv seeks funding and technology in exchange for this military assistance.

During his visit, Mr Zelenskiy met Ukrainian military experts stationed in Saudi Arabia.

A video released by his office showed representatives of the Ukrainian General Staff explaining that the delegation included air defence specialists and SBU security service officials.

The experts conducted workshops for Saudi officials, briefed the Saudi General Staff, and prepared to share practical experience in air defence operations, the representative said.

Drones have emerged as a dominant weapon on the battlefield in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia. Kyiv has rapidly innovated and scaled domestic production of various drone types, mitigating Russia’s manpower advantage.

Mr Zelenskiy said that with sufficient financing, Ukraine could produce around 2,000 drone interceptors per day.

(Reuter/NAN)