Zelensky Proposes Drone Deal in Meeting With Bahrain’s King

Kyiv offered to share battlefield drone expertise as the two sides discussed regional security and expanding cooperation. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa attends the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" hosted by US President Donald Trump at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026. President Trump on Thursday gathers allies to inaugurate the "Board of Peace," his new institution focused on progress on Gaza but whose ambitions reach much further. Around two dozen world leaders or other senior officials have come to Washington for the meeting -- including several of Trump's authoritarian-leaning friends and virtually none of the European democrats that traditionally sign on to US initiatives. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed a potential drone cooperation agreement with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during a meeting on Tuesday, May 5. In a Telegram post , Zelensky described the talks as “productive” and said he had proposed making a “drone deal” to expand cooperation, with both sides agreeing that their teams would work out the details. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv is ready to share its experience in defending against large-scale drone and missile attacks, noting that Ukraine faces similar threats daily. The two leaders also discussed the security situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, including recent Iranian strikes and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Zelensky said the meeting also covered economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, as well as the possibility of opening embassies in both countries to strengthen bilateral ties. He also briefed the Bahraini king on the situation in Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving what he described as a “just peace.” On April 19, Zelensky said Kyiv had signed 10-year agreements on defense exports with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. According to Zelensky, the deals are part of a broader “Drone Deal” initiative, which provides for at least 10 separate contracts, including arms exports, joint production, and the creation of manufacturing lines both in Ukraine and abroad. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Confirms Flamingo Missile Use in Deep Strike on Russian Military Plant, Shares Video of Strike The Ukrainian president said long-range cruise missiles hit defense industry targets more than 1,500 km inside Russia. Ukraine has already deployed more than 200 specialists to help Gulf countries counter Iranian drone threats . While Kyiv is expected to supply interceptor drones under these arrangements, it remains unclear what Ukraine will receive in return. 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.