"The Middle East is helping not with negotiations, but with humanitarian efforts," said Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Middle Eastern countries are not serving as a channel for political negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, but are actively involved in humanitarian efforts. In particular, they are assisting with prisoner exchanges and the return of deported children.
He made this statement during an online conversation with journalists.
Reports have appeared in the Western press claiming that Ukraine allegedly conveyed a proposal to Putin regarding an energy truce through its Middle Eastern partners following strikes on Russian oil export infrastructure. Zelenskyy responded by saying that Ukraine had received signals from certain partners about a possible reduction in strikes on Russia’s energy sector due to the global energy situation.
“I emphasize once again that if Russia is ready to stop striking Ukraine’s energy sector, we will not respond to their strikes,” the president stressed.
Zelenskyy also explained the role of Middle Eastern partners. Countries in the region are assisting in the prisoner exchange process, and partners are facilitating the return of Ukrainian children, particularly through Qatar.
In addition, children who were taken to Russian territory are gradually being returned.
The president added that Ukraine remains open to agreements if the Russian side is ready. “We have proposed all of this, and we are open—if the Russians are ready, please, we are ready; let them propose a time, and we are ready to resolve this issue,” Zelenskyy said.
As a reminder, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a strategically important meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, focusing on strengthening security partnerships.
Recall that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that during his visit to the Middle East, he reached an agreement on the supply of diesel fuel to Ukraine for at least one year.
Zelenskyy also signed an agreement with Qatar on missile defense.
