Ukraine, Saudi Arabia Sign Major Defense Deal Amid Iran War
Martin Fornusek Kyiv Independent
President Volodymyr Zelenky (L) and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud hold talks in Saudi Arabia on March 27, 2026. (photo: Ukraine Presidential Office)
"The document lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investment, while also strengthening Ukraine's international role as a security donor," the office said in a statement.
The deal was signed just before President Volodymyr Zelensky's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Their meeting took place during the Ukrainian leader's surprise visit to Saudi Arabia, even as Tehran continues to launch drones and missiles across the region in retaliation for the weeks-long U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine is ready to help Saudi Arabia "protect lives" while also signaling interest in certain "capabilities" on Riyadh's part.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East, Russia's support for Iran, and potential energy cooperation between Kyiv and Riyadh.
Zelensky previously revealed that Ukraine deployed over 200 specialists in the Middle East and Gulf countries to help counter Iranian Shahed-type drones, broadly used by Russia in attacks against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.
Ukraine is also close to finalizing security agreements with Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to help counter Iranian drones, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told Reuters in an interview.
Similar discussions have been held with Kuwait, Jordan, and Oman, he added.
The Kyiv Independent reported on March 10 that Riyadh and Kyiv were in talks for a "huge" arms deal, and that a Saudi Arabian arms company signed a separate agreement to buy Ukrainian-made interceptor missiles.
Saudi Arabia has sought to position itself as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war, hosting talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials last March on a plan to end the war.
Tehran, in turn, has been a close strategic partner of Moscow, providing drones, missiles, and other arms for its all-out war in Ukraine.
