Zelensky Seeks 10-Year Security Deals in Middle East, Turkey as US Support Strains
Updated
Updated · Newsweek · May 10
Zelensky Seeks 10-Year Security Deals in Middle East, Turkey as US Support Strains
2 articles · Updated · Newsweek · May 10
Last month, Volodymyr Zelensky toured Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Turkey and Syria to lock in 10-year security and defense agreements as Kyiv looks beyond Washington for material support.
Trump's reluctance to provide direct military aid has driven that search: analysts said U.S.-Ukraine ties have deteriorated over the past year, with cooperation now centered on intelligence and other non-kinetic support.
Europe remains Ukraine's main fallback, but officials and analysts say NATO allies face a tradeoff between arming Kyiv and funding their own rearmament, even as alliance programs still channel U.S. weapons paid for by partners.
Middle Eastern options are narrower. Ukraine is pitching its drone expertise after deals with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but analysts said any regional assistance would likely be minor, while Turkey and the UAE also retain economic links to Russia.
The shift comes after the U.S. made available about $183 billion for Ukraine and related operations from 2022 to 2024, underscoring how hard it would be for Kyiv to replace Washington as its key backer.
With America's military focus elsewhere, can Europe's defense industry rearm the continent and supply Ukraine simultaneously?
Ukraine's drone warfare is rewriting the rules of combat. Are established NATO armies prepared for this new era?
Ukraine-Gulf 10-Year Defense Agreements: A Strategic Shift in Middle Eastern Security and Multipolar World Order
Overview
Ukraine has signed major security and defense agreements with Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to diversify its support and attract vital capital, especially as U.S. aid becomes less reliable due to shifting global priorities and conflicts involving Iran. At the same time, Gulf states urgently need advanced, proven air defense solutions to counter rising Iranian drone and missile threats. Ukraine’s battlefield experience and technology make it a valuable partner, leading to cooperation on weapons co-production and expertise exchange. This strategic pivot strengthens both Ukraine’s resilience and the Gulf states’ security, marking a significant shift in regional alliances.