Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a defense cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates following an unannounced visit to Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
The move comes amid escalating Iranian drone activity across the Middle East, prompted by retaliatory strikes from the US and Israel.
Zelenskyy confirmed he met with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stating they agreed to collaborate on security and defense. Ukrainian teams will finalize operational details in the coming days.
Ukraine has deployed anti-drone specialists to Gulf nations, offering proven tactics developed during its war with Russia. Kyiv is proposing to exchange its effective, low-cost drone interceptors for advanced air-defense missiles currently used by Gulf states against Iranian threats.
"For all normal states, it is important to ensure stability and protect lives," Zelenskyy said, emphasizing Ukraine’s strategic value in modern asymmetric warfare.