Ukraine's Assistance to Gulf Countries Marks a Fundamental Shift in Its International Role, Experts Say

Military expert Oleg Starykov has noted that Ukraine's international role has radically changed after providing assistance to Middle Eastern and Gulf countries in countering Iranian drone attacks. He emphasized that today we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in Ukraine's role on the international stage: the country has transitioned from being a state that merely requires assistance to becoming a strategic security partner.

Starykov highlighted that Ukraine possesses unique, battle-tested experience in countering Russian and Iranian drones, as well as in addressing massive combined air threats. This expertise is critically needed in the Gulf region today. 'We are not just sharing knowledge and experience; we are helping to build resilient defense systems that are already yielding concrete results,' the expert stated during a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Friday.

He also pointed out that Ukraine's interaction with Gulf countries is based on the principle of full-cycle technological partnership, as Ukraine offers comprehensive engineering and production expertise. 'All of this expertise actively projects Ukrainian military strength in the Gulf region, fundamentally changing our perception in the world as a reliable partner. The interest of partners in our defense solutions lays the foundation for broad economic interaction... The conversion of our added value in the defense sector into initiative projects will not only allow us to rebuild infrastructure but also create a powerful defense-industrial hub in Eastern Europe,' Starykov said.

Valentin Haidai, director of the Intermarium Institute and a candidate of historical sciences, noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited Middle Eastern monarchies, resulting in the signing of several agreements in the military-industrial sector. Haidai described this as 'very beneficial for Ukraine in terms of exporting its technologies and products, as well as enhancing our country's role on the international stage.'

'Our experience is unique and colossal in the world. There is no other like it. Yes, we do not claim to be the world's first army, but we are probably the first army in terms of effectiveness in shooting down aerial targets, particularly drones,' Haidai remarked. He also added that Ukraine's influence in the Middle East and the Baltic-Black Sea region is increasing. 'I think it is quite realistic that Ukraine will become a regional leader. If not in the coming years, then within the next 5-6-10 years. And I believe that our defense capability will be a key asset in this,' the director of the Intermarium Institute added.

Political expert Serhiy Yahodynskyi, vice-rector of the European University, stated that Saudi Arabia could become a diplomatic ally of Ukraine thanks to this assistance. 'This backup diplomatic front, this platform, is very much needed today. You see that the United States is unfortunately not stable in terms of ensuring the negotiation case... Therefore, we need to seek additional diplomatic platforms, and Saudi Arabia is one of them,' he said.

Haidai further noted that these Gulf and Middle Eastern countries typically maintain a neutral position when voting on pro-Ukrainian resolutions in the UN. 'If we demonstrate that we can export not only oil, sugar, and grain, but also technologies and protection for their skies and lives, I believe this will be a very compelling argument for them to support us on the international stage,' he stated.

At the same time, Yahodynskyi pointed out that 'when Ukraine helps Middle Eastern countries achieve security as a contributor to security, American society supports Ukraine.' He also emphasized that 'when we talk about countries that maintain neutrality, including regarding the war in Ukraine, we underestimate the potential of these countries today... We can win them over by offering them a concept of global security.'

According to Starykov, 'Today, Ukraine is a country that not only defends itself but also helps protect the world.'