Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov has left for a visit to the Middle East. There, he will discuss agreements with the Persian Gulf countries on protection against Shahed drones. This was announced by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during his evening address. The information was also confirmed by Presidential Advisor Dmytro Lytvyn in a comment to journalists.
"Now our team — both the military and Rustem Umerov — is on its way to the Zatoka region, where our guys can help protect lives and stabilize the situation," Zelensky noted.
He drew attention to the fact that the Iranian regime has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the main routes for supplying oil and gas to the world market.
"It is necessary that those who are now turning to Ukraine for support continue to help our defense, our air defense first of all," the president added.
He recalled that Ukraine had proposed to the US to conclude an agreement on drones. And being with Ukrainians in the production of drones, as well as in their use, is the right perspective.
"Everyone now sees that there is no alternative to this perspective. Ukraine has the world's greatest experience in countering strike drones, and without our experience, it will be very difficult for the Gulf region, the entire Middle East, and partners in Europe and America to build strong defense. We are ready to help those who help us, help Ukraine," Zelensky emphasized.
According to him, Umerov, together with the military, intelligence, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will prepare specific agreements.
For his part, Lytvyn clarified that the NSDC Secretary will visit several countries.
"There are several tasks, and one of them is to specify the protection arrangements," he noted.
