Zelensky Makes Surprise Visit to Saudi Arabia for ‘Important Meetings’

President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia for a previously undisclosed visit on Thursday, where he was met by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

Zelensky announced his arrival on social media, where he also posted footage of himself being welcomed by the Saudi leader. However, he provided few further details.

“Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security,” he wrote simply on X.

On Feb. 28, the US and Israel launched a massive aerial bombardment campaign against Iran in an effort to destroy Tehran’s offensive capabilities and topple its government. 

Nearly a month on, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – along with several high-ranking members of his government – hasbeen slain. Iran has responded by launching massive retaliatory drone attacks on its neighboring Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia.

Citing an anonymous senior official, AFP reported later on Thursday that Ukraine and Saudi Arabia plan to sign an agreement on “security cooperation – in particular, the protection of the skies.”

Kyiv, which has now endured more than four years of Russian bombardment by Iranian-made Shahed drones and their domestically-produced analogues, offered to help defend the region – deploying at least 200 Ukrainian drone specialists to advise Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia on how to counter the threat.

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Margus Tsahkna said Tallinn has no intention of urging Kyiv to scale back its strikes, even after Ukrainian drones have landed in neighboring countries.

Despite being weakened, the Iranian regime shows little sign of falling. Tehran has sent global oil prices rocketing with its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which usually sees the transit of roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.