Rustem Umerov

During my meeting with the President of Lithuania, @GitanasNauseda, we focused primarily on our defense cooperation and agreed to work together within the Drone Deal format: our countries now have such bilateral agreement. The agreement is intended to strengthen both our countries in defense, and importantly, it is built on the principle of reciprocity – we support our partners who provide real and tangible support for our defense. A Ukrainian military expert team will work in Lithuania to develop the necessary security capabilities, first and foremost to counter modern threats and strengthen the security of our countries and the entire region. The challenges we face are shared, and we must overcome them together. We value Lithuania’s principled support and its readiness to strengthen defense and make it truly capable of responding to any Russian attacks. I am also grateful to Gitanas Nausėda for his clear position on our European integration – all six negotiation clusters for Ukraine should be opened.

We continue our nearly daily communication with representatives of the United States. Today, Rustem Umerov briefed me on the outcomes of his meetings with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Importantly, America remains engaged in diplomacy and, in particular, has acted as a mediator on the issue of a prisoner exchange. Contacts are ongoing at the appropriate level to hammer out the configuration of the exchange. The lists have been handed over, and we expect the American side to play an active role in ensuring the realization of this agreement. Possible formats for meetings and negotiations at the leadership level aimed at ending Russia’s war were also discussed in the United States. Rustem also provided a separate detailed report on contacts with countries interested in Drone Deals with Ukraine. Nearly 20 countries are currently involved at various stages: 4 agreements have already been signed, and the first contracts under these agreements are now being prepared. With other countries, preparatory procedures are underway for political arrangements that will open the way for businesses. Ukraine has already secured its first energy-related results thanks to these agreements – the Ukrainian market is being supplied with the necessary volume of fuel. There will also be significant financial results. In addition to the Middle East and the Gulf, the South Caucasus, and Europe, we will soon launch this new security cooperation within the framework of Drone Deals with another part of the world as well. We are preparing positive news for Ukraine. Glory to Ukraine!

In the United States, I held a meeting with the U.S. President’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The main focus was on humanitarian issues, particularly the return of our prisoners held by Russia. This remains one of Ukraine’s key priorities. We also discussed the need to intensify the diplomatic process and coordinate further steps toward achieving a dignified peace. Following the meeting, I briefed the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I thank the American side for the constructive dialogue and support for Ukraine.

Minister of Foreign Affairs @HakanFidan met with Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, in Ankara.

The first visit to Azerbaijan and our seventh meeting in more than four years. Our relations are at a very high level, and what matters is that they are built on respect. I thank President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev @presidentaz for this visit, for our conversation, and most importantly, for our agreements. Today, Ukraine and Azerbaijan signed 6 documents across various areas. The key is the defense-industrial complex – we will develop and strengthen our cooperation. We also discussed the continuation of energy initiatives and the launch of new ones. I am grateful to Azerbaijan for 11 packages of energy assistance, including during the last difficult winter. Special attention was given to humanitarian support for Ukraine and our efforts to restore peace. I thank Azerbaijan for its support of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. I appreciate the readiness for deep cooperation, including in the defense sector. We have taken a very serious step forward, and new documents will be signed soon.

A very productive meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We appreciate our constructive cooperation. There is a strategic security arrangement that we are actively developing across three key areas. The first is the export of Ukrainian security expertise and capabilities in air defense. The second is energy cooperation, which makes Ukraine more resilient in this difficult time. The third is the area of food security. We are working together to strengthen our peoples and our partners. We have set tasks for our teams, and I expect their prompt and full implementation. Now, when international relations are significantly destabilized, it is precisely this kind of bilateral engagement that restores confidence. We also exchanged assessments of the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf. We hope for greater security, and we are helping to bring it closer.

I held a meeting with India’s Minister of External Affairs, @DrSJaishankar We discussed the current situation on the front line, the progress of negotiations, and the prospects for achieving a just, lasting, and sustainable peace for Ukraine. We also focused on the development of bilateral cooperation and the implementation of agreements outlined in the Joint Statement of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, following his visit to Ukraine in August 2024. I am grateful for the open and substantive dialogue. We look forward to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

In Delhi, I held a meeting with India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval. We discussed the development of bilateral relations and the assessment of the security situation. The Indian side reaffirmed its consistent position on the need for a peaceful settlement based on dialogue and diplomacy. I am grateful for the shared understanding of the need to find solutions that will ensure a lasting peace.

Today in Rome, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr @ZelenskyyUa held a meeting with the Minister of Defence of the Italian Republic, @GuidoCrosetto, during which the Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, and Minister Crosetto reaffirmed the shared commitment of Ukraine and Italy to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of defence. Both sides aim to build a stable, long-term partnership that contributes to peace and stability in Europe. Ukraine expresses appreciation for the political, military, and diplomatic support Italy has provided since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Italy’s solidarity has contributed to Ukraine’s resilience and to broader efforts to preserve European peace and stability. In this context, both sides underline their willingness to continue dialogue on ways to further develop cooperation in a pragmatic and mutually beneficial manner. Future cooperation will cover several areas, such as capacity building, exchanges of experience and lessons learned, and industrial cooperation in multiple sectors, including air defence, unmanned systems, ammunition, and maritime domains, among others. Collaboration could involve joint research, technology cooperation, industrial partnerships, and investment initiatives, with the aim of expanding dialogue in areas relevant to modern defence, such as logistics, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The Parties are working toward a Strategic Defence Partnership framework (known as Drone Deal) intended to outline shared objectives, possible areas of cooperation, and mechanisms for periodic review. This framework would provide a structured basis for continued dialogue and the gradual development of joint initiatives. Both sides reaffirm the importance of the relationship between Ukrainian Defence and Italian Defence and express their intention to continue developing cooperation in a balanced, mutually beneficial, and sustainable manner.

In Ankara, I held a series of important meetings with the leadership of Türkiye. I had discussions with Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Head of the National Intelligence Organization İbrahim Kalın, and Chief Advisor to President Erdoğan on Foreign Policy Akif Çağatay Kılıç. We discussed the security situation, the course of the negotiation process, and the coordination of further steps in response to shared threats. We also discussed joint projects in the field of regional security. As always, a separate emphasis was placed on the humanitarian track. The issue of returning Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians remains our priority and is constantly on the agenda. We coordinated our approaches to further cooperation. Türkiye plays an important role as a partner and a platform for dialogue. Thank you for your support of Ukraine.

I met with the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani @TamimBinHamad, in Doha. The Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, was also present at the meeting. We discussed issues that could further strengthen the protection of life in both countries and agreed on a mutually beneficial partnership in the defense sector for at least 10 years. Following the meeting, our Chiefs of the General Staff signed an agreement, which provides for joint defense industry projects, the establishment of co-production facilities, and technological partnerships between companies. I provided an update on the security situation in Ukraine, the ongoing Russian attacks, and Russia’s close cooperation with the Iranian regime. Strengthening air defense is a priority for us, and we count on support from our partners. I thank His Highness for the warm reception, readiness to work together, and the concrete agreements reached.

I met with our military experts who have been in Saudi Arabia for over a week now. Guys reported on the team’s first results and shared conclusions at both the operational and broader levels. The main task of our air defense experts in this region is to identify challenges and determine what changes are needed to strengthen the protection of people and lives from Iranian “shaheds” and missiles. I am grateful to the guys for their exceptionally prompt and thorough work. There are concrete steps we can take together with our partners. Even in such a short time, Ukrainian experts were able to share extensive expertise and demonstrate how we in Ukraine protect our lives and infrastructure. Ukraine's expertise is unique, and recognized as such, and that is why everyone is so interested in our technologies and experience. We are ready to support the protection of those who help us defend our independence. We discussed the key elements needed to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s air defense capabilities. This concerns, above all, approaches to shooting down drones. Ukraine is ready for long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation. I am proud of our people and the strength of Ukraine.

We have reached an important Arrangement between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on defense cooperation. The document was signed ahead of our meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. It lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investment. It also strengthens Ukraine’s international role as a security donor. We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives. Now into the fifth year, Ukrainians are resisting the same kind of terrorist attacks – ballistic missiles and drones – that the Iranian regime is currently carrying out in the Middle East and the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia also has capabilities that are of interest to Ukraine, and this cooperation can be mutually beneficial. We also discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region as a whole, Russia’s assistance to the Iranian regime, developments in fuel markets, and potential energy cooperation. Thank you for the meeting.

In Florida, we concluded another stage of negotiations with the American side as part of the process aimed at achieving a sustainable peace. During the meetings, we focused on issues of reliable security guarantees and the humanitarian track, in particular the exchange and return of our citizens. We have made progress in aligning positions and further narrowing the range of unresolved issues. Following the meetings, we reported today to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the results of the work. A detailed report will be presented after returning to Ukraine. We thank the United States for its consistent engagement in the negotiation process. We expect that the achieved momentum will allow us to move on to the next stage of meetings.

Today in Florida, together with Davyd Arakhamia, Kyrylo Budanov, and Serhii Kyslytsia, we held a meeting with the American side as part of the negotiation process. The U.S. delegation was represented by Special Representative of the President of the United States Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Senior White House Advisor Josh Gruenbaum, and Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of State Chris Curran. We continued discussing key issues and the next steps within the negotiation track. Particular attention was paid to aligning approaches for further progress toward practical results. Following the first day of the meeting, we reported to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We thank the United States for its engagement and consistent work in advancing the process. We will continue the work tomorrow.

Report to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr @ZelenskyyUa, on the work of Ukrainian teams in the Gulf region. Over the past week, I visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan. I held meetings with leadership of those countries and relevant institutions. Additionally, Ukrainian military specialists are operating in each of these countries under the coordination of the National Security and Defense Council. The work is focused on two areas. The first is the use of Ukrainian technologies to counter aerial threats, in particular UAV attacks. The second is consultations with partners on assessing the security situation and preparing practical solutions for air defense based on Ukraine's experience. Our teams conducted expert assessments of the protection of critical infrastructure facilities and developed concrete solutions. Expert recommendations are also being provided to improve the effectiveness of certain air defense systems. Interception units have been deployed to protect civilian and critical infrastructure. Work is also underway to expand coverage areas. Further steps for developing long-term security cooperation with each of these countries have also been defined. Ukraine stands in defense of life and sovereignty alongside those who support us in preserving our independence. We seek to further strengthen security partnerships with our allies.

I sincerely congratulate you on the holiday of Oraza Bayram (Eid al-Fitr)! After a month of fasting, this holiday comes as a reminder of strength of spirit, resilience, and responsibility for one another. Today, we speak with special gratitude about Muslim soldiers who, together with their brothers-in-arms, are defending Ukraine. I thank every man and woman who, on the front line and in the rear, works every day for our victory. Our thoughts are also with our friends in the Middle East, who today are facing challenges and threats as well. Ukraine stands with those who are forced to defend their freedom and their right to a safe future. Together, we are capable of withstanding these challenges and protecting what forms the foundation of the modern world — security, dignity, and freedom. May this holiday bring peace, strength, and faith. Oraza Bayramı mübarek olsun! Eid mubarak!

Another round of negotiations has concluded in Geneva. The work took place in two formats – separate meetings with the American side and a trilateral meeting involving the United States and Switzerland. Following the meetings, together with Davyd Arakhamia @arakhamia_david and representatives of the American side – Special Envoy @SEPeaceMissions Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner @jaredkushner – we held a joint call with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr @ZelenskyyUa, to discuss the outcomes of the meeting and the next steps. The next round is being prepared. We are working on finalizing the security parameters, economic decisions, and agreed positions that should form the basis for further arrangements. The objective is to make the next trilateral meeting involving the United States and Russia as substantive as possible. Particular attention was devoted to the economic track and long-term support mechanisms for Ukraine. Together with the Government’s economic team, including @OleksiiSobolev, and our American partners, we conducted a detailed review of the document on Ukraine’s recovery. It was agreed that our teams will continue working on further detailing the document – in particular regarding future reconstruction and the investment plan. We are grateful to Switzerland for organizing the negotiations and creating the conditions necessary for productive work. We thank President Donald J. Trump and his team for their active engagement and consistent support of the process.

Today in Geneva we continue our work within the framework of the negotiation process. A bilateral meeting with the American delegation has begun — with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. From the Ukrainian side, joining me in the delegation today are Davyd Arakhamia, Oleksii Sobolev, and Daryna Marchak. Together with the Government’s economic team, we will thoroughly work through the prosperity package: mechanisms for economic support and recovery of Ukraine, instruments for attracting investment, and frameworks for long-term cooperation. Additionally, together with Davyd, we will discuss preparations for the next round of trilateral negotiations involving the russian side — it is necessary to synchronize positions ahead of this stage. An important issue is the humanitarian track and the issue of possible exchanges. We expect concrete results regarding the return of our citizens. We are focused on practical solutions. We will inform about the outcomes after the meeting is concluded.

In Ankara, I met with Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hakan Fidan. I briefed the Turkish side on the course of the recent negotiations in Geneva and the current security situation. We discussed coordination of further steps and the prospects of the diplomatic track. We also focused separately on humanitarian issues. We are grateful to our Turkish partners for their consistent position since the first days of the full-scale war. In 2022, Türkiye decided to close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to russian warships — an important step for security in the Black Sea region. We continue our close cooperation 🇺🇦🇹🇷