Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a new defense cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates during an unannounced visit, as Iran continues drone and missile attacks across the region. Zelensky said he met with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and that both sides agreed to deepen collaboration in security and defense, with details to be finalized by their teams.

The visit followed a similar defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, as Gulf nations confront Iranian drone strikes launched in response to attacks by the United States and Israel. Ukraine has promoted its experience in countering Russian drones and has sent anti-drone specialists to assist partners in the region.

Kyiv has proposed exchanging its drone interceptors for more advanced air defense missiles used by Gulf countries, saying it needs additional systems to withstand frequent Russian missile attacks. Zelensky said joint efforts would strengthen protection and stability for both nations.

The agreement comes amid ongoing regional tensions. In Abu Dhabi, six people were injured after debris from a intercepted ballistic missile caused fires in an industrial area, while Iran also claimed it targeted a United States logistics vessel near the Omani port of Salalah, where one foreign worker was reported injured.