Zelenskiy’s Gulf Visit Expands Ukraine’s Defense Ties and Signals New Implications for Azerbaijan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s visit to the Persian Gulf states in late March concluded with the signing of a series of key agreements on cooperation in air defense with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, underscoring Kyiv’s growing role as a provider of security solutions.

The agreements, designed for a ten-year period, предусматривают the development of defense ties, cooperation in cybersecurity and counter-drone protection, as well as the establishment of joint production facilities. Countries in the region, including Jordan, recognized Ukraine as a strategic partner and pledged support, including in the energy sector.

During the visit, Agence France-Presse reported that more than 200 Ukrainian military specialists are already involved in strengthening counter-drone defenses in Gulf countries. Zelenskiy later stated on his Telegram channel that Ukrainian experts are developing systems to protect critical infrastructure across the region, emphasizing the effectiveness of comprehensive solutions tested in combat conditions.

According to Deutsche Welle columnist Michael Rochlitz, joint production facilities are expected to be deployed in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar over the next decade. Interest from Gulf states is driven by Ukraine’s practical experience in countering Russian drones based on Iranian designs, which now pose a threat to countries in the region.

Al Arabiya reported that Gulf states view Ukraine as a source of practical solutions to counter missile and drone threats. Al Jazeera, in turn, noted that regional monarchies are seeking rapid and effective ways to strengthen air defense, while Ukraine’s experience in countering Shahed-136 drones has proven indispensable, as the effectiveness of Ukrainian interceptor drones has already been demonstrated in real combat conditions.

Reuters highlighted the economic upside for Ukraine, which is seeking to expand exports of its military technologies, with the Middle East seen as a highly attractive market.

At the same time, according to sources, Kyiv’s military cooperation with Gulf states has raised concerns in Washington. The United States has proposed that Ukraine sell its defense technologies through American channels, which would then be resold to partners in the region.

Amid escalating tensions around Iran, Western analysts increasingly view developments as an extension of the confrontation between Ukraine and Russia beyond Europe. The Council on Foreign Relations noted that the conflict involving the United States and Israel is effectively creating an additional geopolitical arena where Moscow and Kyiv seek to advance their respective interests. While formally remaining outside a direct conflict with Iran, Ukraine is gradually integrating into the regional security architecture, strengthening its international standing.

As a result, Zelenskiy’s visit goes beyond traditional diplomacy and reflects Ukraine’s attempt to establish itself as a global security provider.

Implications for Azerbaijan

The escalation around Iran has exposed the vulnerability of even the most advanced air and missile defense systems. Azerbaijan experienced this directly on March 5, when Iranian drones struck Nakhchivan. In addition, missile strikes from Iranian territory targeted Turkey.

According to analysts at Turan, enhancing air defense systems is becoming a priority for all countries neighboring Iran. Given its geographic proximity, Azerbaijan remains in a particularly vulnerable position.

In this context, cooperation with Ukraine in counter-drone and missile defense is gaining strategic importance. Similar cooperation should be further strengthened with Turkey as a key strategic ally.

The conflict has also revealed shortages of missile systems even among the most militarily advanced states, reinforcing the case for developing domestic or joint production capabilities.

Against this backdrop, Turkey’s recent unveiling of its Tayfun Block-4 hypersonic missile, with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers, highlights the accelerating arms dynamic in the region.

Even in the event of de-escalation in Iran, if the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retains effective control, potential threats to Azerbaijan are likely to persist. In this regard, Ukraine’s unique battlefield experience could prove highly valuable and in demand.