Zelensky Seeks UAE Help to Secure Black Sea Routes

President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Aug. 1 to discuss securing Ukrainian maritime routes and global food security. Zelensky noted Ukraine’s past assistance to Gulf partners against Iranian attacks, seeking reciprocal support in the Black Sea. The outreach comes amid heightened tensions with Tehran, following Iranian accusations that Ukraine attacked a commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea.