The Atlantic Council has published an op-ed by Anatoly Motkin, President of StrategEast – “Ukraine Can Benefit from Growing Tech Ties Between Gulf States and the US.” The piece explores how Ukraine can position itself as the third part of a powerful new technological and geopolitical triangle emerging between United States and the Gulf nations.
In the wake of the recent Israel-Iran conflict and amid instability in the Middle East, the United States and Gulf nations are forging closer ties – not through traditional oil or arms deals, but through strategic cooperation in advanced technologies. According to Motkin, this evolving alliance has the potential to reshape regional power structures and presents significant opportunities for Ukraine.
Mr. Motkin outlines how Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are prioritizing tech self-sufficiency through initiatives such as Vision 2030 and national AI strategies. At the same time, the United States is seeking reliable, like-minded partners to counter authoritarian tech ecosystems promoted by China, Russia, and Iran. This convergence is giving rise to a new model of tech cooperation—focused on transparency, interoperability, and innovation.
“Ukraine brings unique value to this partnership,” Anatoly Motkin argues, citing the country’s battlefield-proven defense technologies, cybersecurity expertise, and its vibrant software engineering sector. He also highlights the potential for Ukraine’s agritech sector to support Gulf food security and for the country’s reconstruction to serve as a testbed for next-generation infrastructure and clean energy solutions.
To maximize its role in this emerging alliance, Mr. Motkin urges Ukraine to focus on key niche sectors such as cybersecurity, agritech, and defense tech—areas where it can complement rather than compete with US and Gulf priorities. He also advocates for expanded investment in human capital, including tech education and exchange programs with Gulf and American institutions.
“Through focused engagement and smart positioning,” StrategEast President writes, “Ukraine can become an indispensable partner in this alliance, and help shape a more secure and innovative global future.”
The full article is available here.
