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Interpol has officially removed a red notice against environmental activist Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was willing to help Middle Eastern countries defend themselves from an onslaught of Iranian drones being launched at their territory by Iran. At the time, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was willing to share its expertise, and in return, Ukraine would seek both pressure from these countries to put on Russia for a ceasefire, as well as potential monetary support or air defense interceptors. This offer was lucrative as Ukraine is no stranger to dealing with Iranian-made drones. Early in the war, Russia turned to Iran for supplies of Shahed loitering munitions, which Russia began using against Ukrainian cities and infrastructure in 2022. Over four years of war, Russia has launched more than 57,000 Iranian-designed Shahed drones against Ukraine. Over time, Ukraine has developed various methods and technology for tackling down these drones.

What’s going on now: Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have formally signed a defense cooperation agreement that lays the groundwork for future arms contracts, joint technological development, and investment in military capabilities, particularly in counter-drone systems. Zelenskyy described the deal as an “important arrangement” that opens the door for deeper collaboration between the two countries’ defense sectors, with both sides agreeing to explore procurement partnerships and co-development opportunities. Saudi officials confirmed the agreement includes cooperation on defense procurement, signaling potential purchases of Ukrainian systems and integration into Saudi defense infrastructure.

Zelenskyy said the partnership is “mutually beneficial,” noting that Saudi capabilities, particularly in higher-end air defenses, are of strong interest to Kyiv as it continues to defend against Russian ballistic missiles.

Officials on both sides have framed the deal as only the beginning. Zelenskyy said the agreement “lays the foundation” for expanded cooperation, hinting at upcoming contracts and deeper industrial ties.

The agreement comes amid rapidly growing demand for Ukrainian defense technology across the Gulf. Ukrainian companies report being approached by multiple countries, including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, but are still awaiting government approval to export systems due to wartime restrictions.