Umerov, military delegation heading to Gulf region – Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov has headed to the Middle East for talks on protecting countries in the region from Iranian aerial threats.

"Our team – both the military and Rustem Umerov – is now on the way to the Gulf region, where our guys can help protect lives and stabilize the situation. We see the challenges that now exist due to Iran's strikes – because of this entire war that may drag on. In fact, the Iranian regime has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, and this is one of the main routes for oil and gas supplies to the global market. This is a significant destabilization," Zelenskyy said on Telegram.

Zelenskyy noted that amid the military actions in the region, Ukraine also needs protection of its own airspace.

"It is necessary that those who are now turning to Ukraine for support continue to help… our air defense first of all. Last year we proposed an agreement to the United States – a drone deal. This is the right perspective – to be with us in the production of drones… And everyone now sees that there is no alternative to this perspective. Ukraine has the world’s largest experience in countering attack 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 protection. We are ready to help those who… help Ukraine," he said.

The president said the Ukrainian delegation is heading to the Middle East to prepare specific agreements.

"Umerov, together with our military, our intelligence, the Ministry of Defense and the Foreign Ministry, will prepare specific agreements. Ukraine is a reliable security donor – this is not only our security perspective, it is also our economic perspective. Protection for Ukraine, cooperation with partners, development for Ukrainian production. Everything Ukrainians have learned for their own defense can become a global foundation of security – a global foundation for protected life," Zelenskyy said.