Zelenskyy Meets UAE Leader as Ukraine War Talks Gain Momentum/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Monday, strengthening economic ties and discussing the ongoing war with Russia. His visit comes as diplomatic efforts for peace talks accelerate, with U.S. and Russian officials set to meet in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Ukraine showcases its defense capabilities at an arms fair in Abu Dhabi, underscoring its wartime resilience.
Zelenskyy’s UAE Visit: Quick Look
- Purpose of Visit: Strengthening trade, securing investment, and discussing peace negotiations.
- Meeting with UAE Leader: Signed a trade deal expanding Ukrainian market access in the Gulf.
- Historic Trade Agreement: First Ukrainian trade deal with a Gulf Arab state, boosting economic ties.
- Defense Expo Presence: Ukraine highlights military capabilities at the International Defense Exhibition.
- Geopolitical Context: U.S. and Russia engage in direct talks; Ukraine excluded from negotiations.
- Russian Influence in UAE: High-level Russian visits and real estate investments continue.
Zelenskyy Meets UAE Leader as Ukraine War Talks Gain Momentum
Deep Look: Zelenskyy’s UAE Visit Amid Peace Talk Momentum
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, meeting with the country’s leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Monday. His visit signals growing international efforts to push for negotiations to end the ongoing war with Russia.
The UAE, known for its diplomatic neutrality and past mediation efforts, has been floated as a potential host for peace talks, alongside Saudi Arabia. Zelenskyy’s visit also comes as the U.S. and Russian officials prepare for high-level discussions in Riyadh—talks from which Ukraine has been excluded.
Economic and Trade Agreements Strengthen Ukraine-UAE Ties
Zelenskyy’s meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed resulted in a landmark economic agreement that expands Ukraine’s trade access to the Gulf region.
“Our top priority is bringing more of our people home from captivity,” Zelenskyy’s office stated. “We will also focus on investments, economic partnerships, and a large-scale humanitarian program.”
The new trade agreement “maximally liberalizes access to the UAE market for almost all Ukrainian goods,” according to Zelenskyy, marking a major step in Ukraine’s economic recovery.
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko called the deal a “truly historic event”, as it represents Ukraine’s first major trade agreement with a Gulf Arab nation. Additionally, officials announced plans to establish a Ukraine-UAE Investment Council to foster long-term business partnerships.
Svyrydenko expressed optimism that the agreement would provide a significant boost to both economies, strengthen cooperation in key industries, and establish a lasting economic alliance.
Ukraine Showcases Military Strength at UAE Arms Expo
Beyond economic talks, Ukraine is using its presence in the UAE to highlight its defense industry. Abu Dhabi is hosting the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) this week, where both Ukraine and Russia have a presence—despite ongoing Western sanctions against Moscow.
At the expo, Ukraine is showcasing its rapidly expanding drone production and other military technologies.
“It is very important to show that Ukraine is not just a victim of war,” said Ivan Sybyriakov, senior manager at SPETS Techno Export. “Ukraine is the defender of Europe.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the country’s military strength, stating that Ukraine can now produce 4 million drones annually despite the war.
“Our capacity has not been diminished. In fact, our ability to innovate and produce high-quality defense technology is stronger than ever,” Sybiha said, pointing out that Ukraine’s battlefield-tested drones are attracting international buyers.
Meanwhile, Russia is also promoting its military hardware at IDEX, including helicopters and other weaponry, highlighting the UAE’s role as a hub for both sides of the conflict.
Geopolitical Shifts: U.S. and Russia Engage in Direct Talks
Zelenskyy’s visit comes as diplomatic efforts around the war accelerate—though not necessarily in Ukraine’s favor.
U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that he may hold direct peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a delegation for negotiations with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Notably, Ukraine is not included in these discussions. This shift marks a stark departure from past U.S. policy under former President Joe Biden, which aimed to isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
When asked about the U.S.-Russia talks, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declined to comment, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Ukraine’s role in its own war negotiations.
Russian Influence in UAE Raises Concerns
Even as Zelenskyy seeks stronger ties with the UAE, Russian influence in the country remains significant.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Sunday, just before Zelenskyy’s arrival. UAE state-run media described the discussions as focusing on “growing UAE-Russia ties” and advancing shared economic interests.
Additionally, Russian money continues to flood into Dubai’s booming real estate market, driven by sanctions and Moscow’s economic isolation. Daily flights between Russia and the UAE provide an escape route for conscription-avoiding citizens and a financial hub for Russian elites.
During Biden’s presidency, the U.S. Treasury voiced concerns about the influx of Russian cash into the UAE, but Trump’s administration has taken a more lenient stance, further complicating Ukraine’s efforts to curb Moscow’s economic influence.
What’s Next for Ukraine’s Diplomatic Push?
As peace talk momentum builds, Ukraine faces the challenge of ensuring its interests are represented in international negotiations. Zelenskyy’s UAE visit aims to:
- Secure economic stability through expanded trade and investment.
- Strengthen military and defense partnerships.
- Reinforce Ukraine’s diplomatic presence in key international forums.
However, with Trump and Putin engaging in direct talks and Russia maintaining strong economic ties with the Gulf region, Ukraine must navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
Whether Zelenskyy’s diplomatic outreach will yield tangible results in securing peace, or whether global powers will negotiate Ukraine’s future without its direct involvement, remains to be seen.
