Zelensky Discusses the Role of Ukrainian Experts in Gulf Countries
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the significant contributions of Ukrainian expert groups in the Gulf region during a recent press conference, emphasizing their role in analyzing defense capabilities and suggesting necessary enhancements.
During a press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky elaborated on the crucial role that Ukrainian expert groups play in the Gulf countries. He noted that these specialists are engaged in assessing the regional situation, evaluating the defense capabilities of various nations, and identifying the changes required to strengthen them. 'First and foremost, our expert groups are there to analyze what is happening in each country—what level of protection they have, what changes are needed, and what can enhance their defense. We have moved to the second stage, where their defense sectors are showing what they are prepared for and what they expect from us,' Zelensky stated.
The President emphasized that the next phase of collaboration will involve physical protection of facilities and the establishment of logistics. 'We say: 'There must be a system, these facilities need to be protected.' They respond: 'Our priorities are as follows.' We tell them: 'After this, they will attack this, this, and this. So let’s protect them.' Physical protection is necessary because air defense alone will not suffice. How to physically secure these sites and how to build logistics, etc., is a different area of expertise. Thus, we have transitioned from the first part of the expertise to the second,' he explained.
Zelensky also mentioned that after the completion of the assessment, training sessions are planned. 'We can move into this process. Everyone is very eager. There are two formats. They will come to us for training. In any case, at some point, people will want to have their own base. They talk about this, and it’s normal. So will our instructors be there later? Yes, they will. But everything will depend on the war in Ukraine. Because our main priority is to end the war here,' the head of state underscored.
Furthermore, Zelensky reported that Ukrainian experts who had been working with aircraft in one of the countries have already returned. 'They have completed their work. So this is a live process,' he noted.
It is important to recall that on March 17, Zelensky announced that over 200 military experts are currently in the Middle East and Gulf region, assisting countries in the area to defend against Shahed drones, with an additional 34 specialists ready for deployment. On March 30, the Ukrainian President also mentioned that discussions were held with Middle Eastern countries regarding cooperation on maritime drones and the unblocking of sea routes.
On March 27, Zelensky embarked on a Middle Eastern tour, visiting Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan. In Doha, he signed a mutually beneficial partnership agreement in the defense sector for at least ten years with the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. A similar agreement was also signed with Saudi Arabia.
The President further announced that a similar document will be signed with the United Arab Emirates. These steps indicate an intensification of Ukraine's cooperation with Middle Eastern countries in the field of security and defense, which is an important aspect in the context of global security and stability in the region.