Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the UAE seeking support for peace talks to end the ongoing war with Russia. His agenda includes humanitarian initiatives and economic partnerships amidst ongoing military exhibitions. The UAE continues to play a significant role in the geopolitical landscape due to its ties with both Ukraine and Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as opportunities for peace talks regarding the ongoing war with Russia intensify. This trip follows U.S. President Trump’s indication of upcoming discussions with Russian President Putin in Saudi Arabia. The UAE is considered a viable location for peace negotiations, given its significant population of Ukrainian and Russian expatriates and its previous involvement in prisoner exchanges.
Zelenskyy arrived in Abu Dhabi after participating in the Munich Security Conference. His arrival was marked by a ceremonial greeting from officials, including an honor guard. This is Zelenskyy’s first UAE visit since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, while his wife, Olena Zelenska, has made prior visits since then.
Zelenskyy’s primary objectives during this visit include increasing efforts to bring back captives, enhancing economic partnerships, and introducing a large-scale humanitarian initiative. Although little detail was provided about his specific agenda, his visit coincides with the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, showcasing military products from both Russia and Ukraine.
The UAE has become a key host for Russian investments, particularly in real estate, amid ongoing conflicts. Daily flights between the Emirates and Moscow facilitate the movement of individuals fleeing conscription and provide a means for Russian elites. Concerns regarding the influx of Russian capital into the UAE have also been expressed by U.S. authorities.
Additionally, this visit comes on the heels of a meeting between Denis Manturov, Russia’s first deputy prime minister, and the UAE’s President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing the strengthening of ties between the two nations. The collaboration aims to align interests that could benefit their respective countries and populations.
President Zelenskyy’s trip to the UAE represents a critical moment for initiating peace talks amid the ongoing war with Russia. His focus on humanitarian issues and economic partnership emphasizes Ukraine’s need for international support and a resolution to the conflict. The backdrop of Russian investment in the UAE further complicates geopolitical dynamics, as both nations seek to strengthen their bilateral relations amid the ongoing war.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
