Ukraine sends team to Gulf region to assist with Middle East security – Zelensky

A Ukrainian delegation, including military personnel and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, is heading to the Gulf region to help protect lives and stabilize the situation amid escalation following Iranian attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this in a video address, according to Ukrinform:

"Our team – including military personnel and Rustem Umerov – is now on its way to the Gulf region, where they can help protect lives and stabilize the situation," Zelensky said.

He stressed that the situation has worsened due to Iranian strikes and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas supply:

"This is a major source of instability. No one in the world can yet say how long all of this will last, but it is important that the protection of life starts working effectively as soon as possible. Stability is important for us as well," Zelensky added.

Zelensky also recalled that Ukraine had offered the United States a drone agreement last year – joint production and deployment. He noted that Ukraine has the greatest experience in the world in countering attack drones, and without this experience, it will be very difficult for the Gulf region, the entire Middle East, and partners in Europe and America to build strong protection.

"We are ready to help those who help us, help Ukraine," he said.

He added that the NSDC Secretary, together with the military, intelligence, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will prepare concrete cooperation agreements.

"Ukraine is a reliable security provider, and this is not only our security prospect, but also our economic one. Protection for Ukraine, cooperation with partners, and development of Ukrainian production. Everything Ukrainians have learned for their own defense can serve as a global foundation for security – a global foundation for protected life," Zelensky said.