Ukraine’s president to visit Azerbaijan after Saudi Arabia trip, security cooperation in focus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to arrive in Azerbaijan later on April 25 following a visit to Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian media reported on Saturday, with official details of the trip remaining limited.

According to Ukrainian sources, Zelenskyy is expected to hold talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Discussions are likely to focus on defence cooperation, particularly on interceptor drones and the development of integrated air defence systems.

Ukrainian outlet Ukrainian Military News reported that the meeting would likely take place outside Baku. Azerbaijani authorities have not yet disclosed details of the planned talks.

The visit to Azerbaijan follows Zelenskyy’s trip to Saudi Arabia, where he met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Ukrainian leader said the sides discussed security, energy and infrastructure cooperation, underscoring efforts to deepen strategic ties.

“We are developing agreements with Saudi Arabia in the areas of security, energy and infrastructure,” Zelenskyy wrote on his Telegram channel, describing the visit as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

This marks Zelenskyy’s second visit to Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. During a previous meeting on March 26, Kyiv and Riyadh agreed to expand defence cooperation. Ukraine has also stepped up engagement with Gulf states, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, signing agreements on joint drone production and counter-drone systems.

Ukrainian officials say Kyiv is ready to share its experience in countering drone threats gained during the war with Russia. As part of this approach, Ukraine has deployed military experts to the Middle East to assist in responding to attacks involving Iranian-made drones.

Zelenskyy said cooperation with Saudi Arabia is being developed across three main areas: sharing expertise in air defence, energy cooperation to support Ukraine’s resilience, and food security.

“At a time when international relations are experiencing instability, this type of bilateral work helps restore trust,” he said following talks with Saudi leadership.

The issue of countering unmanned systems, including potential cooperation against threats linked to Iranian drone technologies, is expected to feature prominently in talks with Azerbaijan, although the agenda has not been officially confirmed.