Ukrainian Ambassador: Defense Partnership with Kuwait... Goes Beyond 'Drones'

- The agreement opens the door to joint military and defense projects

- Training of personnel, joint planning, and knowledge transfer within the framework of cooperation

- Enhancing coordination between the general staffs of the two countries’ armies

- Broad opportunities for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, and technology

- Food security, agriculture, and advanced industries among the areas of cooperation

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Dr. Maksym Subch, announced that defense cooperation between Kuwait and Ukraine has entered into force, with coordination between the two countries having effectively begun in military and defense fields. He described the agreement signed by both sides as a legal framework that opens the door to a “genuine, qualitative partnership” from which both countries will benefit.

During a press conference held at the embassy premises to mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s restoration of independence and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of Kuwaiti-Ukrainian diplomatic relations, Subch stressed that defense cooperation is not limited to the sale or marketing of drones. He clarified that the objective is to build a comprehensive system of military and defense cooperation.

He affirmed that this partnership can contribute to enhancing the capabilities of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces to confront modern security challenges, and to mutual benefit from the experiences and expertise accumulated by both sides amid the rapid evolution in the nature and methods of warfare.

The Ukrainian ambassador emphasized his country’s steadfast support, “heart and soul,” for Kuwait and Gulf states in the face of Iranian aggression. He confirmed Kyiv’s support for all efforts undertaken by Kuwait and its Gulf partners to restore security and stability in the region, protect civilian lives, and ensure the continuation of development and prosperity.

He stated that Kuwait holds a special place in Ukraine’s eyes, praising its firm stance supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international law, as well as the humanitarian aid provided to the Ukrainian people since the start of the large-scale Russian invasion.

Subch affirmed that Kuwaiti-Ukrainian relations are built on solid foundations of friendship and mutual respect. He noted that Kuwait was the first Gulf country to open an embassy in Kyiv in 1995, following the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries on April 18, 1993.

He explained that relations have evolved over more than three decades to encompass political, economic, humanitarian, security, and defense fields, expressing confidence that the coming phase will witness new opportunities to elevate these ties.

He said that the Kuwaiti and Ukrainian peoples share a deep understanding of the meaning of independence and sovereignty. Recalling Kuwait’s experience with the Iraqi invasion in 1990, he affirmed that Ukraine views Kuwait’s experience as a historical proof that occupation does not negate a state’s sovereignty, and that aggression does not grant the aggressor any rights over the occupied state’s territory.

Subch praised Kuwait’s supportive stance toward Ukraine, noting that Kuwait allocated $1 million in 2023 to purchase electrical generators for Ukraine, at a time when energy facilities were under Russian attacks.

He confirmed that this support reflects the depth of friendship between the two countries, expressing his appreciation for Kuwait, its leadership, government, and people, for their humanitarian and political stances.

He stated that Kuwait is not only an important partner for Ukraine in the Gulf region, but a friendly country united with Ukraine by a shared vision based on respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, and commitment to international law and the UN Charter.

Subh concluded by emphasizing that Kuwaiti-Ukrainian relations are moving toward a more comprehensive phase, particularly in the defense sector, expressing his confidence that the coming years will witness new practical partnerships that strengthen cooperation between the two countries and serve the interests of the friendly peoples. He noted that the declaration of independence on August 24, 1991, was followed by a popular referendum on December 1 of the same year, in which more than 90 percent of participants voted in favor of independence. He also pointed to the ongoing European integration process, highlighting that Ukraine was granted candidate status for European Union membership in June 2022, and that accession negotiations officially began in June 2024.