Zelenskyy Visits Gulf States for Drone Defense, Seeks Strategic Ties

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made unannounced visits to the UAE and Qatar to discuss drone defense and strategic partnerships.
• Ukraine aims to leverage its drone expertise to help Gulf Arab states counter Iran's attacks in the Middle East.
• Zelenskyy announced 10-year security agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with a similar deal expected with the UAE.
• Kyiv seeks high-end air-defense missiles from Gulf countries in exchange for its drone technology and expertise.
• The visits come amid a Middle East conflict, rising oil prices, and ongoing Russian drone attacks on Ukraine.