Ukraine and Saudi Arabia sign defense cooperation agreement.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia on March 27, President Zelensky confirmed that the agreement had been finalized just before his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to AFP, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense cooperation agreement, paving the way for future military contracts, technology transfers, and investments.
Writing on social media, the Ukrainian leader affirmed: "We are ready to share our experience and technical systems with Saudi Arabia, and together we will strive to enhance the protection of human lives."
On March 26, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky began a surprise visit to Saudi Arabia to seek support for Kyiv. This move comes amid reports that the US is considering shifting military resources to the Middle East in light of escalating tensions with Iran.
In Jeddah, Zelensky met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the conflict in Ukraine, as well as the escalating military situation in the Middle East. The Ukrainian president expected to have "important meetings" during this trip and proposed providing air defense expertise and drone technology to countries in the region that are being affected by Iranian attacks.
Currently, more than 200 Ukrainian experts have been sent to advise Middle Eastern countries on how to intercept attacks, which are causing serious damage to energy infrastructure throughout the region.
Zelensky hopes to garner support from Gulf states as the conflict in Ukraine enters its fifth year, while Western military aid faces new uncertainties.
According to The Washington Post, Zelensky's trip comes at a time when the Pentagon is considering redirecting equipment and weapons intended for Ukraine to the Middle East.
In other developments, Ukraine is facing renewed attacks from Russia as US-sponsored peace talks stall. At the same time, Kyiv is seeking new commitments from NATO allies to replenish its stockpile of US-made air defense interceptor missiles to counter Russia's high-speed cruise missiles.
Furthermore, the crucial €90 billion aid package from the European Union for Ukraine is also under serious scrutiny, following Hungary's veto of this financial assistance.
