Zelenskyy in UAE for Talks on Ending Russia-Ukraine War

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Abu Dhabi this week, marking his first visit to the UAE since the war with Russia began. His trip comes as momentum builds for potential peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. During his visit, Zelenskyy met with UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss various issues, including economic ties and humanitarian aid.

Growing Momentum for Peace Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump recently mentioned that he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia, sparking speculation that the UAE could play a key role in hosting peace talks. The UAE has long been considered a neutral location for discussions due to its large population of Russian and Ukrainian expatriates and its history of facilitating prisoner exchanges.

Trump also suggested that Zelenskyy would be involved in negotiations, though he offered few details on how this would unfold. Despite the complexities of the conflict, Trump expressed confidence that Russian President Putin might be ready for a deal, acknowledging Russia’s past strength on the battlefield.

Ukraine and UAE Strengthen Ties

During his visit, Zelenskyy’s office released footage of his arrival in Abu Dhabi, where he was greeted by an Emirati official and an honor guard. The focus of the trip included advancing economic cooperation and humanitarian initiatives. A deal was signed that will “maximally liberalize access to the UAE market for almost all Ukrainian goods,” according to Zelenskyy.

Ukraine’s Economy Minister, Yuliia Svyrydenko, hailed the agreement as a historic milestone, being the first of its kind between Ukraine and a Gulf Arab state. The agreement also laid the groundwork for the creation of a Ukraine-UAE Investment Council, aiming to boost bilateral economic growth and stability.

Economic and Humanitarian Discussions

The UAE's state-run WAM news agency highlighted that Zelenskyy and Sheikh Mohammed discussed a range of topics, including food security, renewable energy, and economic development. Sheikh Mohammed reiterated the UAE’s commitment to supporting efforts for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and alleviating its humanitarian impact.

The timing of Zelenskyy’s visit coincided with the UAE’s International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), where both Ukraine and Russia had displays. Ukraine’s presence at the exhibition was significant, with officials stressing that Ukraine is not a victim but a key defender of Europe against Russian aggression. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also visited the country’s stand at the event, showcasing the country’s defense capabilities, including drones, which are now being produced at an impressive rate despite the ongoing war.

Direct Talks with Russia and UAE’s Role

Zelenskyy’s visit comes amid growing discussions of direct talks between Russia and other global powers. Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Sheikh Mohammed in Abu Dhabi, focusing on strengthening UAE-Russia relations. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a delegation to Saudi Arabia for direct talks with Russian officials, though Ukraine is not participating in these discussions.

Zelenskyy’s trip underscores the UAE’s pivotal role in facilitating dialogue and offering a neutral platform for discussions, given its strategic position and diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine.