President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy received credentials from the newly appointed ambassadors of foreign states: Ambassador of Oman (non-resident) Maitha Saif Al Mahrouqi, Ambassador of North Macedonia Dimitar Blazhevski, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates Muhammad Matar Bati Hawash Al Khaili, Ambassador of the Netherlands Roelof Sander van Ees, and Ambassador of France Brice Roquefeuil.
The President welcomed the ambassadors on the start of their diplomatic missions in Ukraine. In his conversations with each of them, Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed them on the consequences of Russia’s massive overnight attack, the large number of ballistic missiles used in the strike, and the need to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses with additional interceptor missiles. They discussed how each country could contribute to Ukraine’s defense and efforts to achieve peace.
During his conversation with the Ambassador of Oman, the President discussed expanding security cooperation, including the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security and international trade.
“We are very pleased to see you here. Strong relations with various countries in the Middle East are very important to us – for the future, for security and for business,” the President said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked North Macedonia for its political support and participation in the Coalition of the Willing, as well as for the ongoing dialogue among Southern European countries.
“North Macedonia, Serbia, Greece – indeed, we did not have such a format before. We tried it once, and now we see that this format works very well. We want to continue,” the President said.
They also discussed support for Ukraine’s energy sector, the supply of specialized equipment in preparation for winter, and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
With the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, the President discussed expanding security cooperation and Ukraine’s expertise in air defense, which it has shared with partners in the Middle East.
“We are very pleased to be useful. And, of course, we remain on your side and support your country and its security. We wish your region all the best,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The conversation also covered the next steps in defense cooperation aimed at strengthening both countries.
With the Ambassador of the Netherlands, the President discussed Russia’s continuing air attacks on Ukraine and the need for additional air defense capabilities. The President thanked the Netherlands for its regular contributions to the PURL program and support for anti-ballistic missile initiatives, as well as for the decision to host the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine in The Hague.
“We are very proud that we have been able to build strong relations between our peoples, ordinary people, and between our leaders. This is truly very important,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President and the Ambassador also discussed Ukraine’s European integration efforts and steps that would make it possible to open the next negotiation clusters.
During his conversation with the Ambassador of France, the President expressed gratitude for France’s continued support for Ukraine.
“We are very grateful to your President, Mr. Macron, for our consistently strong relations and tremendous support – from military to political,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President and the Ambassador discussed strengthening Ukraine’s air defenses with new defense systems, licenses for missile production, and agreements concerning fighter aircraft. They also discussed cooperation on European anti-ballistic missile defense to strengthen the protection of both Ukraine and Europe.
Particular attention was paid to further sanctions against Russia aimed at forcing it to enter negotiations to achieve peace.
