“PROTECTING THE SKIES”: Zelensky in Saudi Arabia for Unannounced Security Summit
JEDDAH — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, March 26, 2026, for an unannounced visit aimed at formalizing a major security cooperation agreement. The visit comes as the war in Iran drives unprecedented demand for Ukrainian anti-drone expertise among Gulf nations, who find themselves targeted by the same Iranian-designed Shahed technology that Russia has deployed against Ukraine for four years.
Zelensky’s arrival in Jeddah marks a strategic “technology-for-missiles” pivot, as Kyiv seeks to leverage its battlefield experience to secure high-end air defense assets from regional partners.
The “Protection of the Skies” Accord
A senior official confirmed that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a comprehensive agreement later today focused on “security cooperation, in particular, the protection of the skies.”
- Expertise Deployment: Zelensky confirmed that over 200 Ukrainian anti-drone specialists have already been deployed to Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, since the start of the Iran conflict on February 28.
- The “Shahed” Advantage: Having intercepted nearly 60,000 Iranian-designed drones launched by Russia, Ukrainian teams are sharing “invaluable experience” on how to down these systems using cheap interceptors rather than million-dollar Patriot missiles.
- Interceptors for Missiles: Kyiv is proposing a strategic swap: providing Ukraine’s cutting-edge, low-cost drone interceptors and electronic jamming tools in exchange for the high-end air defense missiles (like Patriot and THAAD) that Gulf nations possess but Ukraine desperately needs to stop Russian ballistic strikes.
A Regional Security Hub
The Ukrainian leader noted that the White House had specifically requested Kyiv’s assistance in helping Middle Eastern allies and U.S. bases in the region counter the current wave of Iranian drone and missile attacks.
| Country Partner | Cooperation Detail |
| Saudi Arabia | Focus on long-term air defense integration and sky protection. |
| United States | Ukrainian experts are reportedly advising at a U.S. military base in Jordan. |
| UAE & Qatar | Discussions ongoing regarding “future deliveries” of Ukrainian-made defense equipment. |
| The “Hormuz” Role | Zelensky suggested Ukraine is exploring a role in restoring security to the Strait of Hormuz through naval drone expertise. |
Strategic Links: Ukraine and the Gulf
Zelensky’s visit highlights the deepening connection between the wars in Europe and the Persian Gulf.
- Funding the Defense Industry: With Ukraine’s defense industry operating at half capacity due to a lack of funds, Zelensky is seeking Middle Eastern investment to boost domestic production of long-range drones and interceptors.
- The “Donbas” Pressure: The visit occurs as President Trump reportedly applies pressure on Kyiv to cede the Donbas region to Russia as a condition for U.S. security guarantees—a move Zelensky warns would compromise European safety.
- Russia’s “Shadow Fleet”: While in the region, Zelensky also called for increased pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of tankers, noting that Moscow’s oil exports continue to fuel the invasion of Ukraine.
What’s Next?
Zelensky is expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman tonight to finalize the security accord before the Friday sunrise deadline in the Iran conflict. If the deal is signed, it could see a significant transfer of Ukrainian drone-defense technology to the Kingdom in exchange for the critical air defense missiles Kyiv has been requesting for years.