UAE freezes contract for purchase of fighter jets from France after Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s arrest

The UAE is reportedly considering the possibility of a complete blockade of military-technical cooperation involving France. The Gulf state has already frozen the implementation of a contract for the purchase of 80 fighter jets from France, as per media reports.

The development comes after the controversial arrest of Telegram Founder and CEO Pavel Durov on French soil. The 39-year-old entrepreneur and investor is a citizen of Russia, France, the UAE and the Caribbean island nation of St Kitts and Nevis.

French President stresses Pavel Durov’s arrest not a “political decision”

The UAE is closely monitoring the case. French authorities arrested the Russian-born Durov last Saturday at Paris-Le Bourget airport based on a judicial inquiry opened last month involving 12 alleged criminal violations involving his Telegram messaging app.

On Tuesday, the UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had submitted a request to the French government to offer him all consular services urgently. Caring for citizens, preserving their interests and offering them all aspects of care are a top priority for the UAE.

In his first public moment on the arrest, French President Emmanuel Macron took to X on Monday to highlight that the controversial arrest of the Russian-born Durov is not a “political decision” but part of an independent investigation.

I have seen false information regarding France following the arrest of Pavel Durov.

France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, to innovation, and to the spirit of entrepreneurship. It will remain so.

In a state governed by the rule of law,…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024

Durov’s detention order extended. But he hasn’t been charged yet

The UAE and France maintain a close military relationship. The French operate a naval base in the UAE capital and Emirati forces use French-built Leclerc tanks and Rafale fighter jets, according to reports. Russian government officials have also expressed outrage.

Telegram continues to defend its operations. French media reports suggest the messaging app had been used for money laundering, drug trafficking and other serious offences. Durov’s detention order has been extended. But he hasn’t been charged yet.