Zelensky Holds Security Talks With Saudi Crown Prince in Second Visit in Recent Weeks

Kyiv and Riyadh discussed air defense cooperation, energy and food security as Ukraine seeks to turn its battlefield drone expertise into strategic leverage in the Gulf. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied This handout photo released by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on April 24, 2026 shows Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) meeting with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, in Jeddah. Zelensky on April 24, 2026. (Photo by Saudi Press Agency / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held security talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday, his second visit to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. The visit signals a shift in Kyiv’s role from security consumer to security exporter, as Ukraine seeks to turn its battlefield experience against Russian and Iranian-designed drones into strategic leverage in the Gulf. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . Zelensky said he had held a “very productive meeting” with the crown prince, with discussions focused on air defense cooperation, as well as energy and food security. The trip builds on a March 27 visit, when Kyiv and Riyadh signed a defense cooperation agreement laying the groundwork for long-term collaboration, including potential joint production and investment. Kyiv Post reported at the time that Zelensky framed the deal as part of Ukraine’s emergence as a “security donor,” offering battlefield-tested expertise in countering drones and missile threats. Ukraine has since dispatched military specialists and drone interceptors to several Gulf countries to help counter Iranian-designed aerial threats. Saudi Arabia has maintained relations with both Kyiv and Moscow and has hosted talks with US officials seeking an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.