Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has landed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an official visit ahead of planned talks between US and Russian officials. The UAE has been a key mediator in negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow throughout the conflict.
Zelensky stated that his priority during the visit is to bring more Ukrainian citizens back from captivity, as well as secure economic partnership and investment. He will also engage in humanitarian efforts.
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he could meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon,” stating that he believes Putin genuinely wants to end fighting in Ukraine. However, he dismissed Ukrainian concerns about a potential shift in US support for NATO.
The UAE has played an important role in prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children from Russia during the war. With the US-Russia summit expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, Europe and Kyiv are concerned that talks may proceed without their leaders’ direct involvement.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20250216-zelensky-lands-in-uae-as-us-and-russia-prepare-for-ukraine-peace-talks