Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Visits UAE to Strengthen Defense Ties Amid Iranian Drone Threats
Kyiv offers battlefield-tested expertise to Gulf states facing Shahed drone attacks, seeks air defense missiles in return as Russia strikes Odesa overnight
ABU DHABI — March 28, 2026 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Friday, March 27, in an unannounced working visit aimed at deepening security cooperation between the two nations as Gulf states face escalating Iranian drone and missile attacks.
The meeting focused on regional security developments, the impact of Iranian strikes on the Gulf region, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted global oil markets, according to a statement from the UAE’s state news agency WAM .
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Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the Ukrainian leader, stating that the visit reflected the strength of bilateral relations. The two leaders also reviewed cooperation under the UAE-Ukraine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding ties .
Ukraine Offers Drone Defense Expertise
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine, which has endured nearly four years of daily Russian drone and missile attacks, possesses valuable expertise in countering aerial threats that could benefit Gulf nations facing similar challenges from Iranian-designed Shahed drones.
“For all normal states, it is important to ensure stability and protect lives amid today’s threats. Ukraine has relevant expertise in this area – our cities, unfortunately, have been under daily attack for four years of full-scale war,” Zelenskyy said following the meeting .
The Ukrainian president noted that his country has developed “an appropriate protection system that delivers a significant interception rate against enemy drones and missiles,” adding that “this systematic approach and integration of experience is exactly what we are offering to our partners” .
Ukrainian experts have been working in the UAE for several weeks to provide assistance in protecting lives and strengthening defenses against aerial threats . Zelenskyy met with these experts in Abu Dhabi before his meeting with the Emirati president to discuss their initial findings and proposals .
Security Situation in the Gulf
The leaders held detailed discussions on the security situation in the UAE and the broader region, including Iranian strikes and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has severely disrupted global energy markets since the conflict began on February 28 .
Sheikh Mohamed briefed Zelenskyy on the UAE’s position regarding continued Iranian attacks targeting the country and other nations in the region. He affirmed that the UAE is “fully prepared to confront threats” and retains its right to self-defence in accordance with international law .
Zelenskyy condemned the Iranian attacks, stating that they represent “a violation of sovereignty, international law and the UN Charter and undermine regional and international peace and security” .
Defense Cooperation Agreement
Following the talks, Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine and the UAE had “agreed to cooperate in the field of security and defense,” with teams from both countries finalizing the details of the agreements .
The cooperation is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to engage with Gulf nations. Earlier this week, Ukraine signed a 10-year defense cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, laying “the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investment,” according to Zelenskyy .
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Zelenskyy also announced that Ukraine has signed a 10-year cooperation agreement with Qatar, and that a similar 10-year agreement with the UAE is expected to be signed in the coming days .
“Ukraine not only needs assistance but is also ready to support those who support us,” Zelenskyy said during his meeting with Ukrainian experts working in the UAE .
Diesel Supplies and Energy Cooperation
A key priority of Zelenskyy’s visit is securing diesel fuel supplies for Ukraine, which faces potential shortages amid ongoing Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure .
“About 90 percent of the possible shortfall would be diesel. So we are closing that issue,” Zelenskyy told Ukrainian broadcasters, confirming that he is negotiating diesel supply deals with Gulf states during his trip .
The leaders also discussed possible steps for effectively responding to energy market challenges and agreed to cooperate in ensuring stability amid current threats .
Ukrainian Experts on the Ground
A team of Ukrainian military experts has been working in the UAE for several weeks to help protect the country against drone attacks. According to the Ukrainian presidential office, these experts have held meetings with representatives of the UAE’s Security and Defense Forces and are working on strengthening protection against aerial threats .
“There is already a clear understanding of how the protection of airspace and critical infrastructure in the Emirates can be strengthened by integrating Ukrainian experience. This concerns comprehensive solutions that have proven their effectiveness,” Zelenskyy said after meeting the experts .
Ukraine has become one of the world’s leading producers of cost-effective drone interceptors, which have proven highly effective against Russian Shahed drones. Kyiv is seeking to leverage this expertise to help Gulf nations counter similar threats while acquiring more advanced air-defense missiles in return .
Russian Strikes on Odesa
While Zelenskyy was in Abu Dhabi, Russian forces launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine overnight. According to Ukrainian authorities, Russia launched 273 drones across the country, with 252 either shot down or electronically jammed .
In Odesa, two people were killed and at least 11 injured in a strike that damaged a maternity hospital, private houses, and port infrastructure. Zelenskyy described the attack as “pure terror against ordinary civilian life” with “no military purpose whatsoever” .
Two men died and two more were injured in Kryvyi Rih, Zelenskyy’s hometown, after a drone hit an industrial facility. One person was killed in the Poltava region in overnight strikes .
Sheikh Mohamed Reaffirms Support for Peace
Sheikh Mohamed reiterated the UAE’s support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of resolving the conflict through diplomatic channels .
The UAE has maintained a balanced approach to the war, maintaining ties with both Ukraine and Russia while positioning itself as a potential mediator in future peace negotiations.
As of Saturday, March 28, details of the final defense agreement between Ukraine and the UAE were being finalized, with officials expecting the document to be signed in the coming days .
SOURCES / INPUTS
Official website of the President of Ukraine: Zelenskyy meets UAE President in Abu Dhabi
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