Zelensky condemns Iran's strikes on UAE, announces new security initiatives for Middle East

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Iran's strikes on the United Arab Emirates, calling them reckless, and has instructed diplomats to deepen security partnerships with countries in the Middle East.

According to Ukrinform, the head of state wrote this on Telegram following a meeting on diplomatic efforts in the Middle East and the Gulf region, as well as updated reports from Ukrainian military expert teams.

"Unfortunately, Iran carried out reckless strikes against the UAE yesterday. Overall military tensions in the Gulf have also significantly increased. Such steps by Iran can only be condemned. There needs to be more security and the speed at which the situation is stabilized and security is ensured in this region will also have a significant impact on the entire world. This concerns security, the economy, and social issues alike. The cost of living in most countries is under threat because of what is going on in this very region," Zelensky said.

Read also: Czech military expert: Ukraine conducting highly skillful diplomacy in Middle East

He stressed that Ukraine is contributing to stabilization and security efforts.

"I have set tasks for our diplomatic team regarding bilateral work with the Gulf states and the region as a whole. We are preparing new decisions and will develop our security partnership," Zelensky said.

He added that Ukraine had also proposed relevant areas of cooperation to Bahrain, and that teams from both countries would work out the details.

"We are also monitoring the implementation of previous agreements with the countries of the region based on the principle of reciprocity in cooperation," he said.

As reported, during a meeting in Manama with King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Zelensky proposed concluding a drone deal with Bahrain.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine