Qatar and Ukraine sign defence agreement as Zelenskyy’s Gulf tour shapes new partnerships

During his visit to Doha, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Qatar inked a defense pact, marking a pivotal step in Kyiv’s outreach to Gulf nations. This agreement, announced on Saturday, is part of a broader initiative to secure regional support against Iranian drones and foster collaborative security frameworks. Prior to Doha, Zelenskyy had engaged with Saudi Arabia on Thursday and the United Arab Emirates on Friday, building momentum for his diplomatic mission.

Ukraine’s Strategic Efforts in the Gulf

Earlier in the day, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the UAE had reached a defense collaboration agreement, underscoring the growing importance of shared expertise in countering aerial threats. Ukrainian military experts have been deployed to the Gulf, aiding countries in defending against Iran’s persistent drone attacks—a campaign that escalated after the US and Israel initiated strikes against Tehran a month ago.

“For Ukraine, it is a matter of principle: terror must not prevail anywhere in the world,” Zelenskyy emphasized. “Protection must be sufficient everywhere. That is why we are open to joint work that, in a strategic perspective, will certainly strengthen our peoples and the protection of life in our countries.”

Ukraine has dispatched over 200 drone-defense specialists to the region, with additional personnel heading to Jordan and Kuwait. This week, Zelenskyy confirmed via WhatsApp that the UAE, though not specifying the exact location of his meeting, was a key focus of his visit. The interaction with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted Kyiv’s commitment to bolstering the nation’s air defenses through Ukrainian technology.

Qatar’s Role as a Key Mediator

Qatar holds a critical position in Ukraine’s diplomatic strategy, serving as a primary mediator on humanitarian issues amid Russia’s war. The country has facilitated the repatriation of numerous Ukrainian children deported by Moscow since 2022 and aided in the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war. The recent defense pact with Qatar is expected to deepen this strategic relationship, building on existing efforts to protect Gulf infrastructure from drone threats.

Zelenskyy’s trip coincides with a period of heightened success for Ukraine’s air defense systems. In the latest Russian assault, Kyiv’s defenses intercepted 97% of incoming drones, showcasing their effectiveness against Moscow’s aerial campaigns. The president reiterated that Ukraine’s priority remains safeguarding against Russian ballistic missiles, while offering to share its experience in countering Iranian drone attacks, which have targeted Ukrainian cities for over four years.

On Tuesday, Russia launched nearly 1,000 drones in a single day, one of the largest strikes since the war began. Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine’s experience with drone warfare has led to a robust interception system, which he described as vital for protecting both his nation and its Gulf allies. As the Gulf tour continues, Ukraine seeks to solidify its role as a key partner in regional security and humanitarian aid.