Russian, UAE presidents discuss Gulf tensions, Ukraine war in phone call

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, the Kremlin said, Anadolu reports.

Discussing Ukraine, Putin briefed Zayed Al Nahyan on what Moscow calls its “special military operation.”

The Kremlin said Putin also highlighted Kyiv’s increased “terrorist activities” targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Putin thanked the UAE leadership for helping facilitate prisoner-of-war exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

The Kremlin described the conversation as constructive and friendly, saying both leaders reaffirmed their interest in further expanding Russian-UAE cooperation.

READ: Canada, UAE conclude ‘successful’ negotiations on comprehensive economic partnership

The phone call came amid heightened regional tensions since Feb. 28, when Israel and the US launched coordinated attacks on Iran targeting military, nuclear and energy infrastructure.

Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli and US targets across the region.

On June 18, Iran and the US signed a memorandum of understanding through Pakistani and Qatari mediation, ending active hostilities and launching negotiations toward a final agreement.

The talks later stalled over disputes related to maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

READ: Russian, Iranian foreign ministers discuss rising tensions in Gulf region