Zelensky Proposes Drone Deal in Meeting With Bahrain’s King

May 6 ------ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he discussed a potential drone cooperation agreement with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during a meeting.

In a Telegram post, Zelensky described the talks as “productive” and said he had proposed making a “drone deal” to expand cooperation, with both sides agreeing that their teams would work out the details. The Ukrainian leader said Kyiv is ready to share its experience in defending against large-scale drone and missile attacks, noting that Ukraine faces similar threats daily. The two leaders also discussed the security situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, including recent Iranian strikes and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Zelensky said the meeting also covered economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, as well as the possibility of opening embassies in both countries to strengthen bilateral ties. He also briefed the Bahraini king on the situation in Ukraine and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving what he described as a “just peace.”

On April 19, Zelensky said Kyiv had signed 10-year agreements on defense exports with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. According to Zelensky, the deals are part of a broader “Drone Deal” initiative, which provides for at least 10 separate contracts, including arms exports, joint production, and the creation of manufacturing lines both in Ukraine and abroad. Ukraine has already deployed more than 200 specialists to help Gulf countries counter Iranian drone threats. While Kyiv is expected to supply interceptor drones under these arrangements, it remains unclear what Ukraine will receive in return.

Source: kyivpost.com