Zelenskyy to visit UAE, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, rules out talks with Russia, US
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting the Khmelnytsky nuclear power plant in Netishyn, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Handout / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday that he will soon visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, but ruled out any meetings with Russian or U.S. officials during the trip.
Zelenskyy’s planned visits to Gulf nations and Türkiye
Speaking to reporters in Munich, Zelenskyy said his itinerary includes a humanitarian-focused visit to the UAE, followed by discussions in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
“In the UAE, there is a major humanitarian program planned, including a prisoner exchange,” he said. “After that, I will immediately travel to Saudi Arabia for similar discussions and a meeting with the king. Then, two or three days later, I will meet with President [Recep Tayyip] Erdogan.”
Zelenskyy clarified that while he would engage with regional leaders, he had no intention of meeting with Russian or American officials. “I will not meet with Russians, but then I will not meet with Americans there,” he stated.
No plans for Ukraine peace talks with Russia
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid speculation about potential diplomatic talks regarding the Ukraine conflict. Earlier this week, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that he expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for discussions on Ukraine.
While Zelenskyy did not directly address Trump’s comments, his statement reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance against engaging in negotiations with Russia at this stage.
His administration has repeatedly emphasized that any future peace talks must be conducted on Ukraine’s terms and with the backing of its Western allies.
Broader implications for Ukraine’s diplomacy
The upcoming visits underscore Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties with key regional players. Türkiye has played a critical mediating role in previous negotiations, including facilitating grain export agreements and prisoner exchanges between Ukraine and Russia.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also been engaged in diplomatic initiatives related to the conflict.
