Rustem Umerov

Head of Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Our team reported on the results of the meetings in Abu Dhabi with the American and Russian sides, as well as the coordination with European partners present in the Emirates. First, there is an important humanitarian arrangement regarding preparations for a new exchange. Second, the parties discussed their views on guaranteeing security, and it is necessary that the first step be ending this war and providing security guarantees for Ukraine. Third, broader formats for further work involving the Europeans were discussed.

Next, the American representatives are heading to Russia, and after those talks, we will coordinate our positions once again and determine what next steps are possible. We are meeting with them tomorrow in Dublin. Ukraine’s priority is to end the war as soon as possible with a dignified peace. We believe that Europe must be represented at every stage of real diplomacy. It is essential that the United States have a strong position and exert influence on the source of this war – that is Russia – so that Russia ends the war of its own making.

Thank you to everyone who is helping! I thank the American side for organizing the meetings and for its mediation. I thank the Emirates for providing a venue for the talks. And I thank Mette and all our European friends for their principled and strong position in pursuit of peace. Glory to Ukraine!

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

We have concluded two days of negotiations in the United Arab Emirates.

The main result is that we reached an agreement on a large-scale POW exchange. We are now working to finalise the details and further practical realisation.

Bringing our people home remains one of our top priorities. We are doing everything possible to ensure that every Ukrainian returns from captivity as soon as possible.

In the trilateral Ukraine–US–Russia format, we discussed achieving peace and Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The first step — to end the war and ensure security guarantees for Ukraine.

Over these two days, the parties were able to present their positions directly. Significant differences remain. There is still a great deal of difficult work ahead, but there are opportunities to continue the negotiation process.

I thank the United States for its active role in organising and conducting the negotiations. Special thanks to @SEPeaceMissions Steve Witkoff and @jaredkushner for their personal involvement.

I am grateful to the United Arab Emirates for its hospitality and support for the negotiations, as well as to our European partners — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and representatives of NATO and the European Commission — for their joint work in Abu Dhabi.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

We are starting the second day of negotiations.

First, we will hold a trilateral meeting with the United States and Russia. After that, we will have a meeting with our European partners.

Continuing the work.

[Special Envoy Steve Witkoff @SEPeaceMissions]

Statement on Meeting Between the United States, Ukraine, and European Partners:

Ahead of the upcoming trilateral discussions with Russia, representatives of the United States, Ukraine, and European partners met to continue their close coordination on efforts to end the war in Ukraine and establish the conditions for a durable peace, including support for robust security guarantees as part of any settlement.

Discussions took place collaboratively between the United States, Ukraine, and European partners, reflecting their shared objectives, ongoing consultations, and commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. Participants emphasized that any future arrangements must respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, independent decision-making, and provide credible security guarantees for Ukraine.

The shared objective is to develop a practical and mutually reinforcing security framework that strengthens Ukraine’s long-term security and builds the confidence necessary to reach a negotiated settlement.

Alongside a central focus on a lasting peace, the discussion covered how to build upon existing European security institutions and agreements following the conclusion of the war in Ukraine. Participants further recognized that addressing post-war security concerns and reducing the risk of conflict are essential. They discussed how to ensure strong mechanisms for managing risk and avoiding dangerous escalation. The participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to a strong post-war European security architecture and arrangements, and were clear that a strong NATO will remain central to Euro-Atlantic collective defense.

The United States, Ukraine, and European partners will continue working in close partnership throughout the negotiating process, with the shared objective of moving toward broader multilateral discussions involving European partners and achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

We have begun our work in the United Arab Emirates.

The first meeting will be held with representatives of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, NATO and the European Commission, joined by US Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. We will align our positions and coordinate our steps ahead of the next stage of negotiations.

This will be followed by a trilateral meeting involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia.

The Ukrainian delegation, alongside me, includes Kyrylo Budanov, Davyd Arakhamia, Serhii Kyslytsia and Vadym Skibitskyi.

Our key priorities are to end hostilities, secure reliable post-war security guarantees, ensure Ukraine’s economic recovery and development, and advance humanitarian efforts.

We are working to make as much progress as possible on these issues and bring peace closer.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

The Ukrainian negotiating delegation is on its way to the venue for the planned meetings in Abu Dhabi. A trilateral format involving representatives of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Representatives of European countries will also be in Abu Dhabi on those days, including the E4 — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy — as well as representatives of NATO and the European Commission. We will hold separate coordination meetings with our European partners. It is essential for us to maintain close coordination with all our key partners, ensure our positions are aligned, and share a common understanding of the next steps in the negotiation process. As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has directed, we are doing everything possible to ensure Europe is part of the diplomatic process.

We thank the United Arab Emirates for providing a venue for the talks and for its unwavering support. I thank Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner for their active engagement and work in preparing for the meetings.

Our goal is a lasting and sustainable peace, guaranteed security for Ukraine, and real opportunities for Ukraine’s recovery after the war. Thank you to everyone who is helping. Glory to Ukraine!

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

Today in Brussels, we held two important meetings with our partners.

The first focused on the Prosperity Plan for Ukraine. This is one of the key documents we are currently working on with our partners. It will define how we rebuild Ukraine after the war, attract investment, and create opportunities for our economy to grow.

We worked with representatives of the European Commission, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, NATO, the World Bank, and BlackRock. On the Ukrainian side, the teams from the Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Defence, and the Office of the President are involved.

We are not disclosing details yet. Substantive work on the document is underway. Together with our partners, we agreed on specific next steps and deadlines. We will share the results later.

The second meeting focused on funding for Ukraine in 2027. Together with the teams from the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Finance, and the Office of the President, we presented our calculations for next year’s war effort: how much funding is needed, what deficit we need to cover, and which sources could provide it.

We also discussed the threats Russia poses to Ukraine and all of Europe, as well as joint steps to counter them.

Tomorrow, we will continue working with our partners on security guarantees for Ukraine.

This is about the security of our country and a new security architecture for all of Europe after the war. Ukraine is an integral part of it. Long-term security for Europe is impossible without long-term security for Ukraine.

That is why we are working in parallel on security guarantees, recovery, and economic development. These are all parts of one plan for Ukraine’s future.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

Against the backdrop of intensified diplomatic efforts, we are once again seeing reports of messages sent in my name to members of the diplomatic corps and our partners in various countries.

These messages attempt to establish contact and obtain information about Ukraine’s work with partners and international negotiations.

Please do not respond to such messages or share any information if you have even the slightest doubt about the contact.

It is best to verify the phone number, account, or email address through official diplomatic channels, the relevant authority in your country, or Ukrainian diplomats.

If you receive a suspicious message in my name, do not engage in correspondence and inform the Ukrainian side.

Please remain vigilant.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

I sincerely congratulate all Muslims on Eid al-Adha!

This holiday is about faith, respect for one another, support for loved ones, and the strength of unity. On days like these, it is especially important to remember kindness, mutual support, and the value of human trust.

Today, our special thoughts are with the Muslim servicemen in the ranks of the Defense Forces of Ukraine and their families, who wait, support, and walk this path together with them every day. The resilience, faith, and strength of spirit of our people carry special meaning today.

I wish you peace, kindness, health, and prosperity. May every home be filled with calm, and may there always be people beside you whom you can rely on.

Today, our thoughts are also with our friends and partners in the Middle East. May your prayers be heard, and may peace, security, and mutual respect prevail in your countries. We understand well the value of peace — and today we pray together for it, for Ukraine and for all nations.

Happy Eid al-Adha!

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

We are recording a new wave of scam messages being sent in my name to international partners.

This time, the targets include, in particular, the Baltic states. Unidentified individuals are using my name in scam messages and other suspicious communications, attempting to initiate contact or obtain information.

I emphasize that all official contacts with partners, requests, and communications are carried out exclusively through official channels.

I urge everyone to pay close attention to any suspicious messages and verify their authenticity.

If you receive such messages or calls, please contact the Office of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine for clarification and verification.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

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.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

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!

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

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.

[Turkish MFA @MFATurkiye]

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

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

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.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

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.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

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.

[Dr. S. Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar]

Glad to meet @rustem_umerov, Secretary of the National Security & Defence Council of Ukraine today.

Discussed our bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the Ukraine conflict.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

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.

[Randhir Jaiswal @MEAIndia]

Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Mr. Rustem Umerov met NSA on 17 April 2026.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. NSA reiterated India’s principled position and focus on peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

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.

[Rustem Umerov @rustem_umerov]

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.

[Turkish MFA @MFATurkiye]

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