Zelensky Heads to Saudi Arabia to Further Security Talks

A day after an informal EU meeting in Cyprus, the Ukrainian head of state is expected to discuss security, energy, and infrastructure with Saudi Arabia, following up on recent security deals. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied This handout picture released by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan shows Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani receiving Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky at Lusail Palace in Doha on March 28, 2026. (Photo by Qatar Amiri Diwan / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday that he has arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. In an X update , Zelensky said the two will advance agreements “in the areas of security, energy, and infrastructure.” Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “Yesterday, at a meeting with European leaders, we secured financial guarantees for our resilience. Today, we are advancing our agreements with Saudi Arabia in the areas of security, energy, and infrastructure,” he wrote, referring to his visit to Cyprus for an informal EU meeting after a vital €90 billion ($106 billion) loan was passed a day prior. The Saudi meeting is believed to be an extension of previous defense agreements signed with the Gulf states. On April 19, Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv has signed 10-year defense export agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. He said the agreements are part of a broader “Drone Deal” framework that will include at least 10 separate contracts covering exports of Ukrainian weapons, joint production and manufacturing lines in Ukraine and abroad. In his X update, Zelensky also emphasized the “mutual” nature of the agreement with Saudi Arabia. “It is important that the strengthening is mutual. I appreciate the substantive cooperation between our countries,” he added. Kyiv has already deployed over 200 specialists to help the Gulf states counter Iranian drones. While Ukraine is likely to supply Ukrainian interceptor drones to the Gulf states as part of the agreements, what it gains in return is less clear. Other Topics of Interest Putin Silent as Massive Tuapse Oil Terminal Fire Sparks Toxic Smog Across Russia’s Black Sea Coast While firefighters battled the blaze and emergency crews cleared damaged buildings, Putin continued a routine schedule of meetings and public appearances. Zelensky has previously hinted at efforts to source alternatives to the Patriot system after his last Gulf visit, later saying he is eyeing the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense ( THAAD ) missile defense systems. Leo Chiu is a journalist and editor based in Eastern Europe since 2015. He has witnessed two presidential elections in Belarus and traveled widely to conflict zones and contested regions, producing reporting that bridges the gap between major developments and local realities.