Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Ukrainian President Zelensky reached the United Arab Emirates amid the war with Russia

Volodymyr Zelenskyy: The demand for peace talks to end the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia is increasing at the global level. In this sequence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reached the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on a visit to Saudi Arabia, where he will lead the US delegation. This delegation will hold direct talks with Russian officials in the coming days. A US administration official has confirmed that the purpose of Rubio's visit is to take steps towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Trump's initiative and possible meetings

US President Donald Trump recently indicated that he might meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. A senior US official said that US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to attend the meeting. This dialogue is taking place after a telephone conversation between Trump and Putin last week.

Trump had said during his talks with Putin that the teams of both countries should start talks as soon as possible. This is contrary to the former US policy, which was adopting a strategy to isolate Russia after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022. However, Trump also spoke to Ukrainian President Zelensky and assured him that Ukraine's participation in any talks would be mandatory.

Ukraine's clear stand

Zelensky has already made it clear that he will not accept any talks regarding Ukraine unless his country is involved in it. European countries are also demanding their role in the process, so that the peace talks are balanced and effective.

Zelensky's UAE visit

Zelensky arrived in Abu Dhabi after attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany. Footage released by his office shows him and his wife Olena being welcomed at the airport by Emirati officials. This is Zelensky's first visit to the UAE since the war began.

UAE as a potential venue for peace talks

The United Arab Emirates has long been seen as a potential venue for peace talks. A large number of Russian and Ukrainian immigrants have settled here since the war began. Also, the Emirates has extensive experience in mediation.

Zelensky's office said in an official message, "Our top priority is to free as many people as possible from captivity and bring them back home." The President's office also said that they would focus on investment, economic partnership and humanitarian programs.

Conclusion

Many global powers are becoming active to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. The US, UAE and Saudi Arabia can play a role in mediating to end this conflict. However, it will be important to see what concrete results come out of these talks and whether it proves to be a real step towards a ceasefire.