Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an unexpected visit to Saudi Arabia on Thursday, aiming to strengthen relations with Middle Eastern countries in response to new challenges posed by the Iranian conflict. According to Ming Pao, Ukraine has recently provided air defense technology and drone expertise to Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia, to help counter Iranian missile attacks.
Zelensky expressed hope that Middle Eastern countries would reciprocate by supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. He disclosed that since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran, Ukraine has deployed over 200 anti-drone experts to Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.
Ukraine has effectively used low-cost interceptors, electronic jamming devices, and anti-aircraft guns to enhance its defense against Russian drone attacks. Kyiv has proposed a weapons exchange with Gulf countries, offering its interceptors in return for high-cost air defense missiles currently used against Iranian drones, to bolster its defense against Russian missiles.