ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine held discussions on Monday with the leader of the United Arab Emirates as interest in potential peace negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia intensifies.
Last week, former U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. The UAE has been considered a viable location for peace discussions due to its significant number of Russian and Ukrainian expatriates who have moved there since the war’s onset. The Emirates’ previous efforts in facilitating prisoner exchanges have also positioned it as a relevant facilitator in these dialogues.
Zelenskyy made his way to Abu Dhabi late Sunday following his participation in the Munich Security Conference in Germany. According to footage shared by his office, he and his wife, Olena Zelenska, received a warm welcome from an Emirati official and honor guards upon arrival. This trip marks Zelenskyy’s inaugural visit to the UAE since the war commenced.
“Our foremost objective is to secure the return of our citizens held in captivity,” a statement from Zelenskyy’s office noted on social media. “We will also prioritize investments and economic cooperation, along with a comprehensive humanitarian initiative.”
Videos shared by Zelenskyy’s office featured his meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE leader. The discussions included the signing of an agreement aimed at significantly easing access for Ukrainian goods into the UAE market.
Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko characterized the treaty with the UAE as “a truly historic event,” being the first of its kind for Ukraine with a Gulf Arab nation. The officials also agreed to establish a Ukraine-UAE Investment Council.
“I believe this agreement will provide a considerable boost to our economies, enhance collaboration across vital sectors, and establish a foundation for long-lasting and stable relations between our countries,” Svyrydenko expressed.
During the visit, the UAE’s state-run WAM news agency reported that the two leaders “explored different facets of their relationship, particularly in terms of economic, investment, and developmental associations, along with discussions on renewable energy and food security.” Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE’s eagerness to support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, as well as mitigating its humanitarian impacts.
Zelenskyy’s visit coincided with the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, where both Ukraine and Russia showcased military arms despite ongoing Western sanctions against Moscow. Although Ukraine did not offer weapons for sale, its participation was deemed essential by Ivan Sybyriakov, a senior manager at the Unmanned Systems Center at SPETS Techno Export. “It is crucial to demonstrate that Ukraine is not merely a victim of the war,” he remarked. “Ukraine is a protector of Europe.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited the country’s exhibition space during the event, amidst Russian representatives marketing helicopters and other military hardware. “Our current capacity allows us to produce 4 million drones per year, even amid war conditions,” Sybiha disclosed to journalists. “Our products are battle-tested immediately, which ensures their high quality. As the minister of a war-torn nation, I take immense pride in attending the exposition.”
As talks of peace continue, Russian investments remain a significant presence within the flourishing real estate market in Dubai. Regular flights between the UAE and Moscow provide support for individuals escaping conscription as well as members of the Russian elite. The U.S. Treasury previously raised concerns regarding the substantial influx of Russian funds into the UAE.
Zelenskyy’s trip comes in light of discussions held on Sunday between Denis Manturov, Russia’s first deputy prime minister, and Sheikh Mohammed. WAM reported that the conversations concentrated on enhancing UAE-Russia relations and finding mutual benefits for both countries and their citizens.
In parallel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a delegation in Saudi Arabia this week for direct discussions with Russian officials regarding the conflict. He is scheduled to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov along with other officials on Tuesday, with Ukraine not being represented in the talks. This outreach, alongside Trump’s direct communication with Putin, signals a shift in U.S. policy that previously sought to isolate Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
When approached by media for comments regarding what he would relay to his American counterpart before the meeting, Sybiha chose not to respond.
