There are initial results from the work of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met with Ukrainian military experts that have been working in Saudi Arabia for over a week.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, citing the President’s Telegram channel.
Read also: Ukraine and Saudi Arabia will sign a cooperation agreement in the field of security, – Bloomberg
The military reported to the president on the initial results of the team’s work and conclusions at both the operational and broader levels.
“The main task of our sky defense experts in this region is to identify problematic issues and determine what changes are needed to strengthen the protection of people and lives from Iranian ‘Shaheds’ and missiles,” Zelensky said.
According to him, there are specific things that “we can do together with our partners.”
The president noted that even in such a short time, Ukrainian experts managed to significantly share their experience and demonstrate how Ukrainians protect lives and infrastructure.
“Ukraine’s expertise is unique – this is recognized, and that is why there is so much interest in our technologies and experience. We are ready to support the protection of those who help us defend our independence,” he emphasized.
They also discussed key points regarding what is needed for a stronger air defense in Saudi Arabia, particularly concerning approaches to intercepting drones.
“Ukraine is ready for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation. I am proud of our people and the strength of Ukraine,” Zelensky added.
Ukrainian military in the Middle East
Recall that a week ago, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine is negotiating defense agreements with Middle Eastern countries while simultaneously offering the U.S. a so-called drone deal.
Currently, there are 228 Ukrainian military experts in Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Jordan.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that Ukrainian instructors dispatched to the Middle East were struck by the inefficiency of allies in combating drones.
In particular, they noted that eight Patriot missiles, each costing over $3 million, were used on a single target.
Allies also did not utilize the complex calculations that Ukraine has developed over years of war to improve the interception of enemy targets.
Moreover, Ukrainian specialists pointed out a critical issue with camouflage: expensive ally radars stood in one place for months and were destroyed by several cheap ‘Shaheds.’
At the same time, the U.S. reached out to Ukraine for expert support for its military in the Middle East, and Zelensky tasked NSDC Secretary Umerov with involving the army and the Foreign Ministry to assess the situation around the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukrainian teams are already assisting five countries in building defenses against ‘Shaheds,’ and requests are coming in from other nations.
