Kiev, 26 March 2026 (dpa/MIA) — President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that Ukraine is negotiating an arms partnership with Gulf states.

In his evening video address, he said the countries were highly interested in Ukraine's expertise in countering drones amid the conflict with Iran.

"Ukraine offers a mutually beneficial partnership: we can strengthen those who can strengthen us," Zelensky said. In return, Kiev is seeking air defence systems and financial support for its defensive operations against Russia.

Iran has responded to attacks by Israel and the United States with its own strikes, including against other countries in the Middle East.

Zelensky also tied the outreach to Gulf states to Hungary's obstruction of a multi-billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for alternative ways to bolster the country's defences.

"The Middle East and the Gulf are, in our view, the right direction and serious opportunities to make us stronger," he said.

Ukraine has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022.

Photo: archive