Zelenskyy Holds Security Talks with Saudi Crown Prince

Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held security talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday.

Zelenskyy has built close ties with several Gulf states, including Riyadh, amidst the joint US-Israel conflict against Iran. He has entered into a security agreement with Riyadh to utilize Kyiv's expertise in downing drones, which has been honed over more than four years of facing Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy stated on the social media platform X, "Had a very productive meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia." He added, "The countries are developing relations in three areas: Ukrainian security expertise, the export of air defense capabilities, and energy and food security."

During his visit to Riyadh last month, Zelenskyy said, "The two sides have reached 'significant agreements' on air defense."

"The agreement envisions a decade-long security cooperation, including the establishment of joint production operations," he said.

Kyiv has sent dozens of military experts and 'drone interceptors' to several countries in the region, where they have been used to shoot down incoming Iranian drones.

It considers its 'anti-drone defense' to be the best in the world. Saudi Arabia has maintained good relations with both Kyiv and Moscow and has also taken initiatives to host talks with US officials to end the Russian invasion.