Crucial for Ukraine, Kuwait to ink defense pact

Ukraine Ambassador Dr. Maksym Subkh

He emphasized that his country’s expertise could benefit Kuwait in several fields like cybersecurity and the development of air defense capabilities. He proposed signing a defense agreement with Kuwait to establish an institutional framework for cooperation, paving the way for a mutually beneficial partnership between the two sides.

The following are the details of the interview:

Question: How do you assess the results of President Zelenskyy's recent visit to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar?

Answer: The main objectives of the visit are to strengthen security cooperation and coordinate our response to the current challenges. President Zelenskyy stressed that this move is about protecting lives and achieving stability. At the same time, the economic aspect – attracting investment and developing the defense industry – is a very important element. Our shared goal with our partners is to enhance security. Ukraine is fully prepared to help those who support it. It is clear to everyone that, based on experience and expertise, no one can assist Ukraine as effectively as Ukraine can. We already have historic agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar. We are working closely with Jordan and Kuwait. We export our defense systems, our soldiers' skills, and the knowledge our country possesses. We expect our partner countries to take huge steps that will contribute to our shared security. We have confirmed opportunities and potential for strengthening air defense, jointly developing defense production, and cooperating in the energy sector, including importing diesel and other energy supplies that we currently need.

Q: What are the strategic objectives of such visits in light of the current regional and international developments?

A: Our goal is the integration of Ukraine into the global security system through partnerships aimed at maintaining stability in the Gulf region, Europe and the whole world. I would like to emphasize that Ukraine always remembers and appreciates the assistance it received from Kuwait and other Gulf states when the aggression against our country began. The Ukrainian authorities and people are fully prepared to extend a helping hand to Kuwait and other friendly Arab states, especially during this unprecedented crisis that threatens their sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. Therefore, it is crucial to restore stability in the region so that no one suffers from Iranian terrorist attacks. We support an approach that contributes to making the entire world safer through cooperation. Given that the situation in the Middle East affects the international geopolitical stage, Ukraine offers proven solutions based on its unique experience. We have extensive experience in countering daily missile and drone attacks. This experience has been applied through the development of highly effective defense systems. The Black Sea Grain Corridor experience confirmed Ukraine’s ability to ensure the stability of strategic supply chains and channels, even under the most challenging circumstances. Ukraine acts as a provider of highly effective and practical security solutions, focusing on cooperation that delivers results. In the current situation, such approaches are considered the only way to achieve long-term regional stability.

Q: How can countries benefit from Ukraine’s experience in countering drone and missile threats?

A: Since we are currently experiencing war and our adversary uses Iranian-made Shahed drone technology, we have developed our own system to counter them with high efficiency and low cost. Today, we are sharing this development with countries in the Middle East. We offer combining experienced military personnel with the private and public sectors in a single system as a long-term model for partnership, benefiting the private sector, the State and the military. We have started implementing these steps with three countries in the region. I am confident that Ukraine and Kuwait will fully capitalize on this potential for cooperation.

Q: Is there a trend toward expanding these agreements to include other countries in the region?

A: Ukraine is keen on improving its relations with the Gulf states. This trend now takes a special security dimension, as Ukraine has become an active global player in the security field. We are open to new partnerships with all peace-loving countries in the Middle East. We aspire to develop our political and security dialogue with all countries in the region to ensure their security and territorial integrity by effectively countering the aggression or attack we are witnessing now or in the future.

Q: How does Ukraine view Kuwait as a partner in strengthening cooperation, including the possibility of reaching joint agreements in areas such as cybersecurity and developing air defense capabilities?

A: We maintain a regular and constructive dialogue with the Kuwaiti side. Ukraine values Kuwait’s role as an important and reliable partner in the region. In March, President Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with HH the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, during which he expressed Ukraine’s solidarity with Kuwait in facing the Iranian aggression.