Zelensky Wins Drone Pacts, Iran War Fuels Russian Oil
SkimNews Take
Zelensky's pivot to Middle Eastern drone-tech pacts, amidst rising oil prices benefiting Russia, illustrates Ukraine's evolving strategy to secure military aid from non-traditional allies as Western support falters.
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- Zelensky signed drone‑technology agreements with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in March‑April 2024, pledging to help Gulf states defend against Iranian attacks.
- Trump renewed a waiver permitting sanctioned Russian oil purchases, citing global cost spikes, which helps Russia sell more oil at higher prices amid Middle‑East shipping disruptions.
- Russia has increased oil sales at higher prices because tankers can’t cross the Strait of Hormuz, boosting its war‑funding revenue as the Iran conflict escalates.
- Shahed‑136 drones, originally Iranian‑designed, continue to be used by Russia against Ukraine, linking the two wars.
Why it matters: Ukraine secures three Gulf drone contracts by April 2024, bolstering its defense export income; Russia’s oil sales surge as Iran‑driven shipping disruptions lift prices, extending its war‑funding capacity.
