Ukraine and UAE Strengthen Ties Through Security, Economic, and Humanitarian Cooperation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ukraine are enhancing bilateral relations in the sphere of security, economic growth, and humanitarian benefits amidst the current Russia-Ukraine conflict. The trip of the UAE Minister of State of International Cooperation, Reem Al Hashimy, to Kyiv underlined a mutual desire by the two nations to achieve a stable situation, reconstruction and delivery of humanitarian aid. Visitors to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and top officials of Ukraine aimed at investing in energy and infrastructure, agriculture, and digitalization, as well as seeking ways to support civilian war victims. The active nature of the UAE in brokering the release of prisoners and offering core assistance is an indication of its strategic alliance with Ukraine.

Strategic and Economic Cooperation

Reem Al Hashimy also visited Ukraine and spoke with President Zelenskyy and other senior Ukrainian officials, including Andriy Yermak, Andrii Sybiha, Oleksii Sobolev, and Denys Shmyhal. Conversations were geared around the need to improve trade, investment, digital transformation, infrastructure, renewable energy, and agriculture. The negotiations also endorsed the ratification and establishing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that was signed in February 2025 and served to solidify economic relations between Ukraine and the UAE. The visit highlighted the importance of the relationship between the UAE and Ukraine as strategic and long-term and its desire to foster sustainable growth and cooperation between the two in the sphere of the private sector.

Humanitarian Support and Peacebuilding Efforts

In the field of humanitarian activity, Al Hashimy visited the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and signed a partnership of $5 million with the Olena Zelenska Foundation to co-fund psychosocial recovery centres, safe schools, and foster-family programs. Since the conflict in 2022, the UAE has already provided aid to more than 1.2 million Ukrainians. It has also been able to release over 4, 600 captives through 17 prisoner exchange processes. As a form of gratitude to the consistent humanitarian aid, mediation, and support in Ukrainian children and families, President Zelenskyy awarded Al Hashimy the Order of Princess Olga, First Class.

Ukraine remains open to collaboration with the countries that support its vision of stability, growth, and security, which strengthens its intentions to restore and ensure the active cooperation with other international partners.