Zelensky Conducts 23 International Meetings and 15 Phone Calls with World Leaders in March

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demonstrated a high level of engagement in international relations during March 2023, conducting 23 meetings and 15 phone calls with leaders from countries and international organizations. This period was marked by his visits to Romania, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, as well as hosting numerous leaders from partner countries and their government ministers in Kyiv, according to the Office of the President of Ukraine.

According to information provided by the Office of the President, Zelensky's diplomatic activities in March focused on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and ensuring collective protection of lives with partners. The head of state visited several countries in the Middle East, where important cooperation agreements in the defense sector were signed. Among the key priorities of Ukraine's foreign policy during this period was unblocking a financial aid package amounting to 90 billion euros, continuing negotiations for Ukraine's accession to the European Union, and increasing sanctions pressure on Russia. An important step was also the expansion of the PURL and SAFE programs, which Bulgaria joined in March, bringing the total number of participating countries to 28.

In March, Zelensky made eight visits, including to Romania, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan. In Bucharest, the presidents of Ukraine and Romania agreed to deepen cooperation in the economic, energy, and defense sectors. In Paris, Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron outlined specific steps that could yield significant results, particularly in the areas of air defense and combat aviation. In London, the first meeting between the Ukrainian president and the British Prime Minister took place as part of a strategic dialogue, during which a Declaration on deepening cooperation in security and defense industry was signed.

In Madrid, nine documents related to cooperation were signed, including four between defense companies and five concerning financial cooperation, joint defense production, and modernization of railway transport. The President's Office also highlighted Zelensky's activity in the Middle East, especially following the onset of conflict between the United States and Iran.

In Jeddah, an agreement was signed between the ministries of defense of Ukraine and Saudi Arabia on cooperation in the defense sector, laying the groundwork for future contracts, technological cooperation, and investments. In Abu Dhabi, the presidents of Ukraine and the UAE agreed on collaboration in security and defense. In Doha, the Ukrainian president and the Emir of Qatar signed an agreement for mutually beneficial partnership in the defense sector for a minimum of ten years, while the chiefs of the general staffs of Ukraine and Qatar signed an agreement on cooperation in the same field. In the Jordanian capital, Amman, Zelensky and King Abdullah II discussed partnership opportunities in the security sector.

Additionally, under the president's directive, work continues with Jordan, as well as contacts with Kuwait, Iraq, and Bahrain. There is also interest in Ukrainian defense capabilities from Turkey and other non-Middle Eastern countries.

Zelensky also participated in international events and meetings, including an online address to participants of the European Council meeting, a speech at the JEF leaders' summit in Helsinki, as well as at the Bucha Summit 2026 and a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of EU member states held in Kyiv.

The President's Office also noted significant agreements and defense packages, including the launch of a new EU defense industrial program (EDIP) worth nearly 1.5 billion euros, which aims to expand arms production, develop air defense systems, and counter-drone measures, as well as integrate the Ukrainian defense industry with the European defense sector.

Moreover, Germany will allocate an additional 200 million euros for the purchase of reconnaissance drones and funding for civil protection, while the United Kingdom will provide 115 million euros to strengthen Ukraine's air defense to protect cities and critical infrastructure from Russian attacks.

It is important to note that Ukraine has also imposed sanctions against Russian judges, companies, and citizens serving Russia's military-industrial complex, as well as against Russian Paralympians. Additionally, Ukraine initiated a ban on entry to EU countries and the imposition of sanctions against nearly 130 Russian commanders involved in crimes against Ukrainians. The relevant document containing their personal data and information about approximately 300 of their relatives has been submitted to the European Union. Cooperation continues to detain vessels of the Russian shadow fleet.