Ukrainian Ambassador: Our destinies are one, we face similar challenges, and we must take coordinated steps between our two countries

- Kuwaiti passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for entry into Ukraine - Military cooperation agreement paves the way for a distinctive and integrated defense partnership

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Kuwait, Dr. Maksym Subkh, held a press conference on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence and the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Ukrainian ambassador emphasized that the entry into force of the military cooperation agreement between Kuwait and Ukraine opens the door for both nations to establish a distinctive and integrated defense partnership. He noted that the recently activated agreement enables the supply of drones to Kuwait, alongside training personnel and implementing joint defense projects, providing necessary expertise and consultations to enhance the capabilities of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces in confronting current security challenges.

He stated that his country is pleased with the entry into force of the military cooperation agreement, signed in 2018, expressing gratitude to the Kuwaiti government for completing the required legal procedures in this regard.

He clarified that both sides have begun coordinating on military and defense cooperation, noting that the concept of defense cooperation is broader than mere military collaboration. The agreement encompasses numerous important areas and currently serves as a legal framework that allows Kuwait and Ukraine to enter into a “genuine, distinctive partnership that benefits both countries.”

He stressed that the objective of cooperation is not limited to marketing or selling Ukraine’s military products, including drones, but rather aims at building an “integrated system” of defense cooperation. This includes training personnel, implementing joint military and defense projects, joint planning, and coordination between the general staffs of the Kuwaiti and Ukrainian armies.

He added that his country does not seek merely to market its defense products, but to provide comprehensive security services, expertise, and consultations to the Kuwaiti side, thereby contributing to honing the skills of Kuwaiti Armed Forces personnel and building their capacity to face current security challenges. He further noted that Ukraine is ready to sign additional agreements and protocols with Kuwait to precisely define relevant defense and military cooperation areas, with the aim of translating understandings into realistic and practical projects in the near future.

Regarding the possibility of supplying Kuwait with drones, the ambassador confirmed that the Ukrainian government is capable and ready to do so, particularly given the tensions in the region and the need to enhance defensive capabilities driven by security developments.

He stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has affirmed from the outset his country’s full solidarity with Kuwait and other Gulf states, noting that Ukraine views the security challenges facing its region as requiring increased coordination and cooperation.

He added that President Zelenskyy had previously pointed to Iran’s role in supporting Russia with drones and the technology for their production and manufacturing since the beginning of the war, considering that Ukraine and regional countries face similar challenges that necessitate coordinated steps to confront them efficiently.

He continued: “Our destiny is one, and we face similar and comparable challenges. We must take coordinated steps between our two countries to confront these challenges efficiently,” highlighting the importance of cooperation in protecting civilian lives and infrastructure from attacks.

He confirmed that Kuwaiti passport holders, across all categories, are exempt from visa requirements for entry into Ukraine, noting that visa issuance procedures for residents in Kuwait take a maximum of one month.

On the path of Ukraine’s accession to the European Union, the ambassador pointed out that Ukrainians enjoy visa-free entry to EU member states, noting that this constitutes an important step in the process of rapprochement between the two sides.

He added that another significant step was the signing of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, affirming that the EU offers its capacities to help accelerate the accession process.

He clarified, however, that the Ukrainian government is required to implement a series of internal reforms and measures, foremost among which is aligning Ukrainian legislation and laws with European laws and standards, thereby supporting the path toward EU membership.