Russia is trying to block Ukraine’s defense deals with Gulf, and just added 8,000 troops to Africa

Despite these facts, Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine will continue operations targeting Russia’s export capacity.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in interview with Rai Radio 1, 10 April 2026. Photo: Zelenskyy on Telegram
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in interview with Rai Radio 1, 10 April 2026. Photo: Zelenskyy on Telegram
Russia is trying to block Ukraine’s defense deals with Gulf, and just added 8,000 troops to Africa

Russia is trying to undermine Ukraine’s defense agreements with international partners, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. His statements came following a briefing by the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleh Luhovskyi.

At the same time, Ukraine is recording a decline in Russian oil exports.

Russian oil exports decline amid infrastructure strikes

According to intelligence reports, strikes on Russian oil infrastructure have already led to a significant reduction in export volumes through key ports.

Reported port loading changes:

  • Primorsk: −13%
  • Novorossiysk: −38%
  • Ust-Luga: −43%

Ukraine notes that these figures may be underestimated due to Russian internal reporting practices.

Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine would continue operations aimed at pressuring Russia’s export capacity.

Russia seeks to block Ukraine’s defense cooperation and investments

A separate part of the intelligence briefing states that Russian documents outline efforts to counter Ukraine’s international defense agreements under the “Drone Deals” program.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia views Ukraine’s access to investment and international military cooperation as a strategic threat.

This includes attempts to influence bilateral defense agreements and weapons production partnerships.

Depriving Ukraine of access to investments and disrupting our bilateral security and defense production agreements is defined by Russia as a foreign policy priority,” Zelenskyy stated.

Russia is particularly focused on obstructing Ukraine’s cooperation in the Middle East and Gulf region.

Russia expands military presence in Africa

The briefing also highlights increased Russian activity in Africa.

Russian personnel in the region have reportedly increased by approximately 8,000 troops.

Russia is also expanding the use of drone technologies through supply chains, local production, and training programs, raising concerns about instability and the strengthening of illicit armed groups.

“Such expansion of Russia’s military activity may inevitably lead to the modernization and strengthening of terrorist organizations and transnational crime,” Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine is calling for closer coordination with international partners to counter these developments.

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