Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday he was in Jordan as part of a whirlwind tour of the Middle East, during which he has signed defence agreements with Gulf states.
“Today in Jordan. Security is the top priority and it is important that all partners make the necessary efforts toward it. Ukraine is doing its part. Important meetings ahead,” Zelensky said on X.
The visit comes after Ukraine – which has sought to leverage its expertise in downing Russian drones to help Gulf nations – agreed to cooperate on defence with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Ukrainian anti-drone experts have been deployed to all three countries since Iran responded to US-Israeli aerial bombardments that began more than one month ago.
Cheap drone interceptors
A Ukrainian team is also in Jordan, a senior official told AFP earlier this month on the condition of anonymity, without elaborating.
Watch moreIn Brussels, volunteers assemble drones to be sent to Ukraine
Ukraine uses a mix of cheap drone interceptors, electronic jamming tools and anti-aircraft guns to down Russian drones.
It has proposed swapping its interceptors for the expensive air-defence missiles that US allies in the region are currently using to down Iranian drones.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
