Ukraine is exchanging counter-drone expertise and air defense systems for crude oil, diesel fuel and interceptor missiles from Gulf states under ten-year defense cooperation agreements, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed.
Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian companies will work directly with the armed forces of partner countries to protect specific facilities. The arrangements extend beyond financial transactions. In return, Ukraine receives energy supplies critical for military operations and agriculture, plus air defense components. In some cases, crude oil is delivered to European refineries for processing; in others, finished diesel products are provided. We are helping strengthen their security in exchange for contributions to our country’s resilience, and this is far more than simply receiving money, Zelenskyy said.
The agreements have been signed with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. Security talks are underway with Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain, with National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov leading negotiations. The deals cover interceptor drones, electronic warfare systems, software and maritime drones.
Zelenskyy confirmed Ukrainian specialists have shot down Iranian Shahed drones in multiple Gulf countries, including active defense support in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan. More than 200 counter-drone personnel have been deployed there following a surge in Iranian drone and missile attacks since late February 2026.
Ukraine’s interceptor drone industry, honed against Russian Shahed and Geran strikes, produces models like the Sting, P1-SUN and Octopus at $1,000 to $3,000 per unit. Zelenskyy highlighted success against jet-powered variants like the Shahed-238, which cruises at 300 to 350 km/h and accelerates beyond 500 km/h. Ukrainian Sting interceptors downed such drones in late November 2025. Mass production of faster interceptors exceeding 450 km/h is planned.
The presidential office describes Ukraine as a security donor, drawing on experience downing over 33,000 Russian drones in March 2026. Zelenskyy has offered Gulf partners interceptor drones in exchange for PAC-3 missiles needed against Russian ballistic threats.