Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Jordan on Sunday for an unannounced visit to discuss security cooperation with King Abdullah II, as Ukraine seeks to leverage its wartime experience defending against drone attacks to build new partnerships across the Middle East.
The meeting focused on potential collaboration in countering drone and missile threats, with Zelensky positioning Ukraine's five years of experience defending against Russian and Iranian-designed attacks as valuable expertise for regional partners facing similar challenges.
From our own experience, we know that without a unified system, it is simply impossible to establish comprehensive protection of people and critical infrastructure
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President — Anadolu Agency
The Jordan visit comes amid escalating regional tensions following US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, which have killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.
Ukraine has already deployed over 200 specialists across Gulf states including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to advise on countering Iranian drones. These experts bring practical knowledge from defending against the same Shahed drones that have struck both Ukrainian cities and Middle Eastern targets since 2022.
France 24 presents the visit as part of Zelensky's broader Middle East tour to strengthen security ties. The outlet frames it as a diplomatic initiative focused on regional cooperation amid ongoing conflicts.
Anadolu Agency provides detailed coverage of the security discussions and regional context. The outlet emphasizes Ukraine's experience with Iranian drones and the practical aspects of the proposed defense cooperation.
The New Arab contextualizes the visit within Ukraine's broader strategy to secure Gulf support amid Western aid uncertainty. The outlet highlights the mutual benefits of the proposed security partnerships.
Euromaidan Press emphasizes Ukraine's valuable expertise and successful deployment of specialists across the Gulf. The outlet frames the partnerships as beneficial exchanges that strengthen both Ukraine and regional allies.
We have such a system, because for the fifth year of Russia's full-scale war, we have been forced to defend ourselves against constant Russian strikes, including those carried out using Iranian drones
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President — Anadolu Agency
The Jordan meeting represents part of a broader Middle East tour that has taken Zelensky to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in recent days. During these visits, Ukraine has signed defense cooperation agreements and discussed air defense partnerships, with Zelensky seeking both to offer Ukrainian expertise and secure support for his country's ongoing war effort.
Ukrainian officials have indicated that several regional countries have requested assistance in countering Iranian drone attacks since the current Middle East conflict began. The partnerships offer Ukraine potential access to scarce air defense systems, particularly Patriot missiles, while providing Gulf allies with proven anti-drone capabilities.
It is important that those to whom Kyiv offers its expertise can help strengthen Ukraine as well
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukrainian President — Anadolu Agency
The discussions also covered the broader Middle East situation and Gulf region dynamics, as Ukraine positions itself as a practical partner in regional defense cooperation. The timing reflects both Ukraine's need for continued international support amid uncertainty over Western military aid and the Gulf states' urgent requirements for proven air defense solutions.