ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen cooperation in defense and security as the region faces escalating drone attacks linked to Iran.

Zelensky, who made an unannounced visit to the UAE on Saturday, said he met with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and that both sides agreed to move forward with joint work in defense.

“We agreed to cooperate in the field of security and defense. Our teams will finalize the details,” Zelensky said on social media.

The visit comes as Gulf countries face a wave of Iranian drone attacks launched in response to recent US-Israeli strikes, with Kyiv seeking to position itself as a partner by offering its experience in countering drone threats.

The Ukrainian president was in Saudi Arabia the day prior, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian air defense experts deployed to help protect the Kingdom amid Iranian strikes.

Ukraine has developed advanced anti-drone capabilities during its war with Russia and has already deployed experts to the region, including to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“For all normal states, it is important to ensure stability and protect lives amid today’s threats. Ukraine has relevant expertise in this area,” Zelensky said, adding that Kyiv is open to joint work that would strengthen protection for both countries.

According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), the meeting also focused on regional security developments and the broader impact of military escalation on international stability, maritime security, and the global economy.

The UAE president reaffirmed that the country is handling the crisis with “wisdom and patience” while remaining fully prepared to defend its sovereignty against attacks targeting civilians and infrastructure.

WAM reported that both sides discussed Iran’s continued attacks on the UAE and the region, describing them as violations of international law and a threat to regional and global peace.

The two leaders also reviewed economic cooperation under their comprehensive partnership and reiterated support for efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, WAM said.