Gulf Countries Ready to Supply Oil and Oil Products to Ukraine

Countries in the Persian Gulf are poised to supply Ukraine with both oil products and crude oil, contingent upon Ukraine's ability to process them. This assertion was made by Andriy Kobolev, the former head of Naftogaz of Ukraine, during an interview with the publication NV.

In his comments regarding President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent visit to the Middle East, where he expressed hopes for enhanced air defense and energy cooperation with Gulf nations, Kobolev emphasized, "These countries are major producers of both refined oil products, such as diesel and gasoline, as well as crude oil. They can supply us with both products and crude oil, provided we are able to refine it."

Kobolev also highlighted the importance of securing long-term contracts with oil and oil product producers, describing this as a "very useful and important tool for energy security." However, he clarified that this is "theoretically" possible.

He noted that Ukraine must recognize its emerging role as a player and competitor in the global market. "Therefore, we should expect that attempts will be made to elbow us out of the arms market, particularly in drones, as well as from other energy markets. For instance, the recent controversial statement from the head of Rheinmetall appears more like a desperate cry of 'oh-oh-oh, don't buy from them, look at what we have.' My assessment of this statement is that even large players like Rheinmetall already understand that we have become competitors. And that we can occupy niches that were previously exclusively held by other large, established, and well-known players," Kobolev stated.

Discussing potential methods of defending Ukraine, the former head of Naftogaz stressed, "Firstly, it is not a fact that we need to respond in kind. Because playing the game of symmetrical actions does not often yield positive results. Especially in geopolitics, particularly when dealing with players who are larger and more influential than you. In such situations, asymmetrical actions usually provide more benefits, are safer, and more pragmatic."

Kobolev further remarked that "a very effective asymmetrical strategy is the strategy of pragmatism." He explained that this involves offering potential partners something they desperately need. "As I understand it, the Ukrainian side, represented by the president, is currently offering military assistance. Here, I am not particularly an expert, to be frank. But in the energy sector, we have much to offer. This is precisely about the fact that Ukraine owns a vast network of both oil pipelines and gas storage facilities. And this infrastructure, if properly connected, for example, to one of the Gulf suppliers, could certainly bring them significant value, although it is technically complex."

Such asymmetrical actions could create a pragmatic partner for Ukraine, who would tell the Germans, British, and Americans: "We respect you greatly, we love you very much, but we have our own business with Ukraine, so we will do what we deem necessary." I believe that there is a probability of this happening, it needs to be worked on, and there is a relatively high chance of success," Kobolev concluded.

It is worth noting that earlier reports indicated President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Saudi Arabia on March 26, 2026, where he announced the signing of a defense cooperation agreement between the defense ministries of both countries. On March 28, the Ukrainian leader visited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where he met with state leaders and announced the signing of a 10-year strategic cooperation agreement with Qatar, as well as plans to conclude a similar agreement with the Emirates. On March 29, Zelensky discussed security issues with King Abdullah II of Jordan. On March 30, he reported that discussions with leaders of Gulf states included mutual assistance in defense and energy, focusing on 10-year contracts, particularly regarding the supply of marine drones.