News - Zelenskyy is seeking new alliances in Saudi Arabia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise appearance in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, intensifying Ukraine's diplomatic campaign in the Middle East amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. The visit follows Zelenskyy's recent disclosure that Ukraine is collaborating with Middle Eastern nations to bolster defenses against drone strikes in the context of regional tensions with Iran. Zelenskyy, upon arrival, hinted at pivotal discussions in his agenda, though specifics remain under wraps. Previously, he mentioned Ukraine's provision of drone technology expertise to countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, focusing on creating comprehensive defense systems. Concurrently, Ukraine aspires to contribute to security efforts in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. In return for its technical support, Ukraine seeks advanced air-defense missile systems from the Gulf States, crucial for fortifying defenses against Russian aggressions. Ukrainian advancements in drone interceptor technology have positioned the nation as a formidable force in cutting-edge defense systems, a critical component in its prolonged conflict with Russia. The details of Zelenskyy's itinerary were initially withheld by Ukrainian officials, maintaining an element of confidentiality. Parallel to Zelenskyy's diplomatic push, a coalition of northern European countries pledged to intensify efforts against Russia’s clandestine oil exports. These nations are targeting Russia's so-called "shadow fleet"—a network of antiquated tankers operating under opaque aliases to bypass international sanctions. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during discussions in Finland with allies, underscored the imperative of targeting this covert fleet. He announced the U.K.'s readiness to intercept suspect tankers traversing its waters, joining forces with other nations committed to tightening the noose around Russia’s oil exportation routes. "Our collective mission is to disrupt Russia's shadowy oil trade, keep the pressure on President Putin, and reshape the course of this war," Starmer emphasized. In a heartfelt video address, Zelenskyy amplified the call for action against Russian oil exports, underscoring their role in financing Moscow's endeavors to consolidate control over Ukraine. In a related incident, Turkish officials reported that the Altura tanker, whilst navigating near the Bosphorus, sustained damages from a naval drone attack. The vessel, laden with 140,000 tons of crude oil, is owned by Pergamon Maritime and implicated in facilitating Russian sanction-dodged exports. Despite the attack, the Altura's crew remained unharmed, spotlighting the heightened risks in the region's maritime routes. This assault emphasizes the urgency in Ukraine's appeals to international allies to suffocate Russia's oil revenue channels.