Ukraine and Syria to cooperate on security, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian drones have struck Russia's Ust-Luga port on the Baltic Sea for the fifth time in 10 days, part of an intensified campaign targeting Russian oil export infrastructure. The overnight attacks on Tuesday injured three people and damaged several buildings, though the extent of the port damage is unclear. Ust-Luga is a major complex for oil processing and export, handling significant volumes of crude oil and oil products. These attacks come as Ukraine reports shooting down a large number of Russian drones and amid concerns about dwindling Western military resources due to the Middle East war, which has also contributed to rising global oil prices.

The Ukraine and Iran conflicts are increasingly interconnected, drawing in more countries and creating wider instability. Russia has been using Iranian-made drones in Ukraine since September 2022, and is now reportedly providing Iran with intelligence, targeting assistance, and drones. Ukraine is also forging security agreements with Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan, providing drone and anti-drone technology. The conflicts are impacting global energy markets, with disruptions in the Middle East benefiting Russia economically. To stabilize the market, the US has eased restrictions on Russian oil exports, while Asian countries are increasing purchases of Russian oil. Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian energy infrastructure to limit Russia's profits, demonstrating the tangible impact each conflict has on the other.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that some of Ukraine's allies have requested a reduction in attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure due to concerns about the global fuel crisis. Zelensky clarified that Ukraine's strikes on Russian energy facilities are a response to Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy sector, and Ukraine would cease these attacks if Russia did the same. While he did not specify which countries made the request, China, India, and the EU remain major consumers of Russian oil and gas. Zelensky's comments followed a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. He also recently visited Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Jordan to seek assistance in protecting Ukraine against Russian missile attacks and offer Ukraine's drone technology.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that some of Ukraine's allies have requested Kyiv to scale back its attacks on Russia's oil sector due to concerns about rising global energy prices. Zelenskyy indicated a willingness to reciprocate if Russia ceases attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and expressed openness to an Easter ceasefire. The US reportedly conveyed this message to Ukraine, with initial signals potentially originating from Moscow. Zelenskyy also announced a 10-year defense agreement with Bulgaria, focused on joint weapons production, including drones, within both countries. This agreement aims to systematize security cooperation and leverage Bulgaria's historical expertise in Soviet-standard weaponry, beneficial to Ukraine's military.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Jordan on Sunday as part of a tour to strengthen defense ties in the Gulf region. The visit aims to bolster security cooperation amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of partners' efforts towards security in a post on X. This visit follows Ukraine's recent agreements to cooperate on defense with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Kyiv has also deployed anti-drone experts to these countries due to Iranian drone attacks, similar to those used by Russia in the war against Ukraine. Zelenskyy is seeking support from Gulf states as Ukraine struggles to fund its defense and retaliates against Russian infrastructure.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is offering Ukraine's advanced anti-drone technology to Middle Eastern allies, including the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, in exchange for ballistic missile support and financial aid. Zelenskyy met with UAE's President in Abu Dhabi to discuss a potential agreement, highlighting Ukraine's unique electronic warfare and drone interception systems. This initiative aims to strengthen defense partnerships as these nations confront growing drone threats, particularly from Iran. Zelenskyy emphasized the reciprocal nature of these partnerships, seeking critical air defense weapons like PAC-3 Patriot missiles to address Ukraine's own defense deficit. He also cautioned that increasing U.S. military focus on the Middle East could potentially slow weapon deliveries to Ukraine, while Russia is reportedly sharing drone technology and battlefield tactics with Iran.

Gulf nations, facing increased missile and drone attacks from Iran since the US-Israeli war began a month ago, are seeking new defense partnerships. Ukraine, having developed cost-effective interceptor drones due to ongoing attacks from Russia, is being approached by some Gulf countries for its expertise. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already signed defense agreements with Ukraine. The potential deals aim to provide Gulf countries with affordable drone defense solutions while offering Ukraine potential benefits. Experts are discussing the potential benefits of Ukrainian drones to Gulf countries under attack from Iran. The discussion was published on March 28, 2026.

During a recent tour of the Gulf states, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed air defense cooperation agreements with the UAE and Qatar. The agreements aim to leverage Ukraine's expertise in countering drones and missiles, particularly in light of increasing threats from Iran. The deal with Qatar, signed on Saturday, focuses on technological collaboration, joint investments, and expertise exchange in countering missiles and unmanned aerial systems. Earlier that day, Zelenskyy announced a similar defense cooperation agreement with the UAE, following a deal with Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Ukraine has deployed anti-drone experts to these countries, seeking to strengthen their defenses and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed a defense agreement focused on technological cooperation, investment, and future contracts. The deal, announced by President Zelenskyy during a visit to Saudi Arabia, aims to be mutually beneficial, leveraging Ukraine's expertise in countering drones and Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities. The agreement comes as Gulf countries face increasing attacks from Iran amid the US and Israel's conflict with Iran. Saudi Arabia has intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles, and Ukraine has extensive experience in combating drone attacks, having faced over 19,000 Russian drone attacks this winter alone. The memorandum focuses on defense procurement.

Overnight Russian drone strikes in Ukraine killed at least five people and injured others in multiple regions, including Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, and Poltava. Ukrainian authorities reported that Russia launched over 270 drones, targeting civilian infrastructure like a maternity hospital and industrial sites. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy made an unannounced visit to the United Arab Emirates to discuss regional security and drone defense cooperation. Ukraine is assisting several Middle Eastern and Gulf countries, including the UAE, in countering Iranian drone attacks. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of global protection against terror and discussed the security situation in the Emirates, Iranian strikes, and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz with the Emirati leader.

Russian strikes on Odesa, Kryvyi Rih, and the Poltava region of Ukraine on Saturday killed at least four people and wounded over a dozen others. The attacks damaged residential areas, a maternity hospital, an industrial site, and gas production facilities. In Odesa, one person died and eleven were wounded, while in Kryvyi Rih, two men were killed and two wounded at an industrial site. Russian drones also targeted gas production facilities in the Poltava region, resulting in one fatality. These attacks occurred amid a shifting global focus toward Iran, as the war in Ukraine continues without a clear resolution.

Ukraine has offered its expertise in countering Iranian kamikaze drones to Middle Eastern nations in exchange for financial and technological assistance. President Zelensky announced that Ukraine has dispatched teams of experts to four countries in the region to assess drone threats and demonstrate effective defense strategies. These Gulf states have been using air-defense missiles to counter Iran’s attack drones and have sought Ukraine’s expertise in downing them. Ukraine, having experience in neutralizing Russian drones, aims to share its knowledge of using various methods, including smaller drones and jamming equipment. Zelensky also expressed concern about maintaining US support against Russia amidst Washington's conflict with Iran.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting the UK on Tuesday, where he will meet with Keir Starmer. The visit coincides with a government deadline for Roman Abramovich to release £2.5 billion from the sale of Chelsea FC to Ukraine war victims, a payment Abramovich is resisting. British leaders are emphasizing continued support for Ukraine amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning against allowing the conflict with Iran to benefit Russia. Data indicates Russia has earned billions from fossil fuel sales since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran, revenue vital for funding its military operations in Ukraine. The UK has recently supplied Ukraine with thousands of drones, artillery rounds, and ammunition.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is blocking a vital 50-billion-euro EU loan to Ukraine, despite pleas from other European leaders at a summit in Brussels on Thursday. Orban's resistance stems from a dispute over a damaged Druzhba pipeline that carries Russian oil through Ukraine to Hungary, with Orban claiming Ukraine is deliberately cutting supplies. Ukraine, facing a significant budget deficit amid Russia's ongoing war, insists the pipeline will take time to repair and urgently needs the EU funding. Other European officials expressed increasing frustration with Orban's stance, as Ukraine's President Zelenskyy addressed the summit via video link to advocate for the loan's release. The loan, agreed upon in December, remains in limbo due to Hungary's continued obstruction.

Amidst the ongoing Israel-United States war with Iran, Ukraine sent specialists to Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan to assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian drone attacks. President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks financial support and technology in exchange for its expertise in countering Iranian drones, particularly given Russia's extensive use of similar drones in the Russia-Ukraine war. While Ukraine denies direct involvement in military operations against Iran, it aims to establish long-term drone deals with Gulf countries. Zelenskyy also expressed interest in a drone agreement with the US, potentially worth billions of dollars, but President Trump has indicated that the US does not need Ukraine's assistance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused some EU allies of "blackmail" for pressuring Ukraine to reopen the Druzhba oil pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Zelensky views restoring the pipeline as equivalent to lifting sanctions on Russia, especially while Russia's war continues. The pipeline was reportedly damaged by Russian airstrikes in January and remains unrepaired. Hungary, heavily reliant on Russian energy, is blocking new EU sanctions on Moscow and a €90 billion loan for Kyiv until the pipeline is reopened. Zelensky stated he opposes allowing Russian oil to transit through Ukraine while the EU sanctions its sale elsewhere. He argues that demanding Ukraine resume oil transit in exchange for vital aid constitutes blackmail.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is awaiting the United States and Russia to schedule the next round of talks. The statement comes as Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine. On Saturday, March 14, 2026, Russian missile and drone attacks caused damage and injuries in Brovary, near Kyiv, and Zaporizhzhia. The attacks involved aerial guided bombs that struck residential areas. Emergency responders were on the scene providing aid and extinguishing fires. The specific subject of the anticipated talks was not detailed in the provided information.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that over 200 Ukrainian military experts are deployed in the Gulf region and wider Middle East to assist governments in defending against Iranian drone attacks. Zelenskyy stated that these experts, specializing in anti-drone technology, are currently stationed in the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and are en route to Kuwait, with agreements in place with other nations. He emphasized Ukraine's commitment to preventing the success of Iranian drone terror against its neighbors. Zelenskyy also claimed that Russia has been using Iranian Shahed drones, which he alleges contain Russian components, in its war against Ukraine since 2022. He accuses Iran of providing Russia with the technology to produce and launch these drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine is assisting five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region in defending against Iranian drone attacks. Ukraine is providing expert assessments and helping build defense systems, leveraging its experience in developing effective drone interceptors during the conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy also mentioned that the United States and European countries have requested similar support. Ukraine is exploring a potential role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz. Kyiv hopes to exchange its drone expertise for advanced air defense missiles, which it needs to counter Russian aerial attacks, amid concerns about dwindling missile supplies due to the Iran war.

During a visit to the UK, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that European nations must prepare for potential drone attacks from non-state actors like terrorist groups and criminal networks. He highlighted the increasing affordability and accessibility of drone technology, making mass attacks possible for more than just wealthy states. Zelenskyy emphasized the alliance between Russia and Iran, noting Russia's use of Iranian-designed drones in attacks on Ukraine and the evolution of these drones with AI. He suggested the Middle East conflict is relevant to Ukraine due to shared military technology between Iran and Russia. Zelenskyy offered Ukraine's defensive support to Western allies, including interception teams and radar systems, to protect military and civilian sites.