Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Defense Ties

On Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy formalized a defense cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Jeddah. This partnership emphasizes Iran’s ongoing support for Russia’s actions against Ukraine.

Zelenskiy noted that Ukrainian military experts are well-acquainted with Iranian technology, particularly the Shahed suicide drone, which Ukraine has identified as being used by Russia in its assaults on Ukrainian cities. Over the past month, he has urged allies in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East to leverage their relationship with Ukraine to address the ongoing conflict involving Iran. This tension escalated in February when former President Donald Trump announced a military operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s “Supreme Leader,” Ali Khamenei.

In the wake of this operation, Iran retaliated by targeting neighboring Gulf Arab nations. Saudi Arabia has faced a barrage of drone and missile attacks from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), with civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, being among the targets.

Saudi Arabia maintains cordial ties with both Ukraine and Russia, positioning itself as a mediator. This role has facilitated an exchange of prisoners and economic agreements intended to alleviate economic strain in Ukraine. However, efforts to host peace talks to resolve the conflict in Ukraine have not come to fruition, particularly without Russian participation.

Zelenskiy announced via social media that he had signed an “important agreement” with the crown prince. He shared a photo of the signing, expressing that this agreement would pave the way for future contracts and technical collaborations, thereby bolstering Ukraine’s role as a security contributor on the global stage. He emphasized that Ukraine is not only in need of defense support but is also prepared to assist allied nations.

In his statement, he expressed readiness to share knowledge and systems with Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance the safety of lives. As the conflict enters its fifth year, he highlighted that Ukrainians continue to fend off the same type of attacks from ballistic missiles and drones as those perpetrated by the Iranian regime in the Middle East.

According to Zelenskiy, Saudi Arabia possesses valuable capabilities, and this partnership could provide mutual advantages.

On Thursday, Zelenskiy also released a video showcasing warm greetings exchanged with the crown prince.

Additionally, the Ukrainian military has begun collaborating with Saudi officials to address the threat posed by Shahid drones. Zelenskiy reaffirmed the value of Ukrainian expertise, highlighting the positive reception toward their technology and experience globally.

The Saudi Press Agency confirmed the signing of the “Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Procurement,” noting in less detail than Zelenskiy that discussions between the leaders included military escalation in the Middle East and developments in the Ukraine crisis.

In a conversation with French media, Zelenskiy expressed hope for expanded defense collaborations with Middle Eastern nations, specifically those aiming to defend against Iran’s terrorism.

He mentioned, “We want Middle Eastern countries to have the opportunity to bolster their defenses.” He acknowledged issues surrounding funding, as Ukraine’s defense industry is currently functioning at reduced capacity. Zelenskiy indicated a willingness to sell surplus defense systems to allies.

Zelenskiy is also seeking U.S. involvement in the fight against Iran. In a mid-March interview, he stated he would be open to using Ukrainian forces to safeguard American lives, given the extensive support the U.S. has provided to Ukraine.

“We have no reservations about deploying teams where we can assist in protecting civilians and Americans,” he conveyed.

He reiterated, “Ukraine isn’t just a nation looking for assistance; it’s defending its interests and values.” He addressed differing perceptions of involvement in the conflict, recognizing that the U.S. may feel a distance from the war when compared to European allies.

Earlier this February, Ukraine designated the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization due to their affiliations with other extremist groups.

Zelenskiy concluded by stating, “The world is observing the situation in Iran,” referencing the humanitarian impact of the Iranian regime’s actions and the recent wave of protests met with severe repression.