Ukraine's Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia for 'important meetings'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that he had arrived in Saudi Arabia and would hold "important meetings", part of an effort to bolster ties with Middle East countries amid the Iran war.

Kyiv is offering its air-defence expertise and drone technology to countries in the region reeling from Iranian strikes. It hopes in return, Zelenskyy has said, for support in its war against Russia.

"Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council, accompanied Zelenskyy on the visit.

With the war against Russia now in its fifth year, Ukrainian forces face a new spring offensive by Moscow as US-backed peace talks have stalled.