A team of elite Ukrainian defence specialists are in Qatar to collaborate on a high-level technical exchange aimed at strengthening the protection of regional airspace against modern aerial threats.
Ambassador Andrii Kuzmenko confirmed that the team arrived in March and was immediately integrated into a collaborative working environment with the Qatari Ministry of Defence.
The arrival of these specialists, who possess “specific grounds and even combat experience,” marks a significant shift in the bilateral relationship. While Qatar has historically provided humanitarian support to Ukraine, the ambassador noted that this mission allows Ukraine to reciprocate through the sharing of “tactical know-how” and expertise.
“Our primary task is to assist, to help, and to provide our Qatari friends with Ukrainian expertise to help them defend the airspace,” Kuzmenko told Gulf Times in an exclusive interview, noting that the experts were met with an atmosphere of “trust, understanding, and technical cooperation.”
According to Kuzmenko, this technical mission serves as the first practical application of a landmark 10-year intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the defence sector. Signed during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s working visit to Doha on March 28–29, the pact acts as a broad “umbrella” or framework for long-term security collaboration.
The ambassador said the agreement establishes a legal basis for cooperation in several critical fields, including the defence industry, technology development, air defence, counter-drone capabilities, military training, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Kuzmenko emphasised that the principal outcome of the high-level talks, which included His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, was the formalisation of this decade-long partnership.
He said a primary focus for the Ukrainian team is the implementation of more efficient defence tactics. Drawing on recent experience, the ambassador highlighted the importance of using cost-effective methods to intercept aerial targets.
Kuzmenko noted that modern security requires a strategic balance, as it is often unnecessary to utilise multi-million dollar interceptors to neutralise drones that may only cost a fraction of that amount.
The ambassador further revealed that the new agreement opens the door for joint production of defence technologies, allowing both nations to develop projects for their “mutual benefit.”
Kuzmenko characterised the negotiations as professional and decisive, conducted in an atmosphere of “mutual trust and mutual respect.” This sentiment was underscored by a personal message from HH the Amir to President Zelenskyy during the visit, the ambassador emphasised.
Despite the challenges currently facing Ukraine, Kuzmenko explained that “HH the Amir expressed deep gratitude for the deployment of these specialists.” According to the ambassador, this exchange has established the groundwork for a “real partnership” that Ukraine hopes will continue to grow as a win-win strategy for both nations.
