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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the United Arab Emirates late Sunday as efforts toward potential peace negotiations to end Moscow’s war on Ukraine gain traction.
Last week, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. The UAE, home to large Russian and Ukrainian expatriate communities, has also been considered a possible venue for peace talks. The country has previously played a role in facilitating prisoner exchanges between the two nations.
After attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany, Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena Zelenska, landed in Abu Dhabi, where they were welcomed by an Emirati official and an honor guard. While Zelenska has visited the UAE since the start of the war in 2022, this marks Zelenskyy’s first trip to the country since the conflict began.
“Our main priority is securing the release of more of our people from captivity,” Zelenskyy’s office stated. The discussions will also focus on economic partnerships, investments, and humanitarian initiatives.
Notably, the UAE’s state-run WAM news agency did not immediately report Zelenskyy’s arrival, an unusual omission. His specific agenda remains unclear, though his visit coincides with the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), a major arms trade event in Abu Dhabi. Both Ukraine and Russia are expected to showcase military equipment despite ongoing Western sanctions against Moscow.
Meanwhile, Russian capital continues to flow into Dubai’s booming real estate market, with daily flights between the UAE and Moscow serving as a vital link for Russian expatriates, including those avoiding conscription. The U.S. Treasury under President Joe Biden has previously expressed concerns over the significant influx of Russian funds into the region.
Zelenskyy’s visit follows an earlier meeting between Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. According to WAM, their discussions focused on strengthening UAE-Russia ties and advancing mutual interests.
