Drone Deal Buzz: Zelensky Lands in Saudi Arabia
Zelensky’s Saudi Arabia visit boosts drone diplomacy talks as Ukraine seeks air defense support amid war tensions and shifting global security alliances.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Earlier, he had stated that Ukrainian drones could help enhance security in the Gulf region.
In a social media post, he said, "Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support of those willing to work with us to ensure security, and in return, we support them."
Earlier on Thursday, Zelensky offered Ukraine's expertise in drone technology as a means to improve security globally, and specifically in the Gulf region.
In a video message addressed to the Joint Expeditionary Force—a security alliance currently holding a summit in Helsinki—he stated, "This matters because energy security—as well as the cost of living, particularly in Europe—depends on their oil, gas, and other resources, and on stable global markets."
He further added, "The key lies not merely in manufacturing new weapons—specifically drones—nor is it solely about the technology itself; rather, it lies in possessing actual operational experience and integrating these systems with radar, aviation, and other air defense networks. We possess this experience."
Zelensky noted that, in return, he would expect assistance in defending Ukraine against Russia's ongoing invasion.
In an interview with the French newspaper *Le Monde*, he said, "We would like Middle Eastern nations to also provide us with the opportunity to bolster our defenses. They possess certain air defense missiles of which we do not have sufficient quantities. We would like to reach an agreement in this regard."
Ukrainian drone manufacturers report that Gulf nations have approached them for assistance; however, they have not yet received the green light from the government in Kyiv. Kvertus, a Ukrainian company specializing in the manufacture of anti-drone electronic warfare systems, has confirmed that both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have reached out to it. The company's CEO, Yaroslav Filimonov, stated, "We are awaiting approval for the export of any products. We understand that we need to coordinate with our government, as this is not merely a matter of commerce or selling drones; it is an issue intertwined with politics."
Volodymyr Zinovskyi, CEO of the Ukrainian manufacturing firm 'TAF Industries,' remarked that he is content to wait for government authorization for exports, noting that Ukraine's security is currently at stake. "We are all working to defend Ukraine, to stand with Ukraine, and to ensure Ukraine's survival. This is an existential battle. And if we have to wait a few months, we will."
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Zinovskyi revealed that representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait had contacted his company, but he advised them to address the matter directly with the Ukrainian government.
According to media reports, the U.S. is now considering diverting weapons originally earmarked for Ukraine to Gulf nations; this move is being driven by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. This development has made the drone deal even more critical for Ukraine.
Citing sources, *The Washington Post* reported that the Pentagon is considering diverting weapons designated for Ukraine to the Middle East, as the U.S. military's stocks of certain critical munitions are being rapidly depleted due to current hostilities involving Iran.
When asked about this report on Thursday, President Trump stated that the U.S. frequently alters the intended destinations of weapons shipments. He remarked, "We do that all the time. Sometimes we take weapons from one place and use them in another."
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