Zelenskyy Arrives in Saudi Arabia for High Level Security and Defence Talks

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia for renewed talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking his second visit to the country in recent weeks.

The visit focuses on strengthening security cooperation and expanding defence collaboration between Kyiv and Riyadh, according to a senior Ukrainian official speaking anonymously.

The official confirmed that Zelenskyy landed in Jeddah to “continue discussing security cooperation,” building on earlier agreements reached during his previous visit.

During his last trip, Zelenskyy stated that both sides had reached what he described as an important arrangement on air defence cooperation. The proposed deal includes long term defence collaboration and potential joint production of military systems over a decade.

Ukraine has been actively expanding its defence partnerships with multiple countries, offering expertise in counter drone warfare developed during its ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian forces have gained extensive experience in intercepting aerial threats, particularly drones used in attacks.

Ukrainian defence specialists and drone interception systems have reportedly been deployed to several partner states, where they have been used in countering aerial incursions, including Iranian designed unmanned systems.

Officials in Kyiv say their air defence capabilities are among the most advanced globally, and are increasingly being shared with international partners as part of broader security cooperation agreements.

Saudi Arabia continues to maintain a balanced diplomatic position, keeping relations open with both Ukraine and Russia while also hosting international discussions aimed at finding pathways toward ending the ongoing war.

The latest talks are expected to further define the scope of defence collaboration between the two countries, particularly in air defence technology and strategic security cooperation.