Briefly — why this matters now
On 27 March, during the president's visit, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed a document on defense cooperation. Against this backdrop, the role of people who have direct contacts in the region becomes key: such connections can speed up the transfer of technologies, training and contracts.
What Umerov has done
According to LIGA.net and a comment from MP Oleksandr Merezhko, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Rustem Umerov is being positioned as "one of the president's team's key assets" in the Middle East. The reason — his business and professional contacts in the Persian Gulf countries: work at international investment firms (ICG Investments, iCapital), founding ASTEM, co‑founding the Crimean International Business Association and related projects.
According to sources, Umerov has visited five countries in the region since the start of the war, and at each meeting he outlined next steps for "long‑term cooperation in the field of security." These are not emotional declarations — they are a series of contacts and agreements that could be transformed into practical assistance.
"His advantage is that he had business ties among those sheikhs. Therefore, on this front he is an effective communicator and diplomat"
— Oleksandr Merezhko, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Foreign Affairs / comment to LIGA.net
Why partners are interested
The Persian Gulf countries are looking for solutions to counter Iranian drone attacks. President Zelensky directly noted that Ukraine has "requests for help with drones" from six countries and that more than 200 Ukrainian specialists are already working in the region (statements from 13 and 17 March). This creates a natural demand for Ukrainian practical solutions — from drone counter‑tactics to technology and personnel training.
"Ukraine has requests for help with drones from six countries... Kyiv has the experience and necessary knowledge in successfully countering 'Shaheds'"
— Volodymyr Zelensky, statement of 13 March
Consequences for Ukraine
Having contacts is the first, but necessary, step. If interest turns into contracts, Ukraine will gain not only financial inflows but also strategic defense partnerships, access to investments and political support in the region. Sources, including the Chesno movement, document Umerov's professional background, which adds credibility to his role as an intermediary between the Ukrainian authorities and influential institutions of the Persian Gulf.
What to expect next
Now it's important not only to establish contacts but to convert them into signed contracts, training programs and system deliveries. If these agreements are implemented — Ukraine will gain resources and the trust of regional partners simultaneously. Analysts note: networks that work quietly and systematically often yield greater results than loud statements.
Conclusion: Umerov brings to the president's team not an emotional image but a tool — a network of contacts and trust in the region. Kyiv's task is to turn these opportunities into concrete results for the country's security and economy.
