Zelenskyy’s UAE visit crucial for closer ties, UWC vice president says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is pivotal for strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer relations between the two nations, Yevheniy Semenov, UWC Vice President for Middle East and Central Asia, in an interview with Suspilne national broadcaster.

A key aspect of this process will be the role of Ukrainian communities in the Middle East, Semenov said.

“These communities, over the years and decades, will play a crucial role in fostering better relations between our peoples and bringing Ukraine closer to the countries in this region,” he said.

Zelenskyy’s visit to the UAE, which took place on Feb. 17, marked the first such visit since Russia’s full-scale invasion. During his time in Abu Dhabi, the Ukrainian president held talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Ukraine and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement as a result of the meeting.

The UAE has played a significant role in facilitating the repatriation of Ukrainian children and other civilians from Russian captivity during the ongoing war that Moscow started. 

“Signing this economic agreement was an important part of the visit. However, as emphasized, the primary focus was on discussing the return of prisoners of war. The UAE played a key role last year in mediating the release of our soldiers from Russian captivity,” Semenov said.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to the UAE for its assistance in securing the release of Ukrainian soldiers and also briefed the president on the situation at the front. 

The Grain from Ukraine initiative that Zelenskyy launched in 2022 for countries facing food insecurity was also discussed.

Russian propaganda remains active in the country despite the growing cooperation between Ukraine and the UAE, Semenov said.

“Relations between Russia and the nations of this region have spanned decades. Economic cooperation and cultural festivals with Russia, such as the large festival soon to take place in Abu Dhabi, continue to thrive,” he said.

Semenov emphasized that to counter Russian influence, Ukraine must focus on its own efforts – spreading the truth to the people of the UAE and local politicians in order to build stronger support for Ukraine.