Saudi Arabia–Ukraine relations

Saudi Arabia–Ukraine relations
Map indicating locations of Saudi Arabia and Ukraine

Saudi Arabia

Ukraine

Saudi Arabia–Ukraine relations are the bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. Saudi Arabia recognized Ukraine’s independence in 1992. Diplomatic relations between both countries were established in April 1993.[1] Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Kyiv. Ukraine has an embassy in Riyadh and an honorary consulate in Jeddah.

Political relations

In United Nations General Assembly Resolution 68/262 Saudi Arabia voted in favor of "territorial integrity of Ukraine" and strongly supports Ukraine.

On October 14, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Saudi Arabia announced $400 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine.[2]

On February 27, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the efforts of Saudi Arabia in seeking a solution to end the Russian invasion. Previously the kingdom acted as a mediator in prisoner swaps between Ukraine and Russia.[3]

In March 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Saudi Arabia amid efforts for peace talks in the Russia-Ukraine war. The US expressed hope for progress on a ceasefire framework, although Zelensky did not attend the related discussions with US officials.[4]

High level visits

Guest Host Place of visit Date of visit Notes
Ukraine President Leonid Kuchma Saudi Arabia King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Riyadh 17-19 January 2003
Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Riyadh 24 January 2015 took part in the funeral ceremony of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.[5]
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Jeddah 19 May 2023 Attended the 2023 AL summit.[6]
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Riyadh 27 February 2024 [7]
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Jeddah 12 June 2024 [8]
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Riyadh March 10-11 2025 [9]
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Jeddah March 26 2026 During the visit, Zelenskyy the first visit since the outbreak of 2026 Iran war.[10]
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Jeddah April 24 2026 [11]

Economic relations

In 2020, bilateral trade amounted to USD820.9 million.[12]

Cultural relations

Ukraine is promoting tourism from Arabic speaking countries especially Saudi Arabia. Ukraine abolished visas for citizens of Saudi Arabia and the opening of direct flights between the two countries would facilitate greater tourism.[13]

Resident diplomatic missions

  • Saudi Arabia has an embassy in Kyiv.
  • Ukraine has an embassy in Riyadh.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Saudi Relations with Ukraine". Archived from the original on 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2024-03-02.
  2. ↑ "Saudi Arabia announces $400m humanitarian aid to Ukraine". Forbes.
  3. ↑ "Ukraine's Zelenskiy praises Saudi efforts in seeking end to war". Reuters. Retrieved 2024-04-06.
  4. ↑ "Zelenskiy in Saudi Arabia as US voices hope for Ukraine peace talks". Reuters.
  5. ↑ "Politics "Poroshenko flew to Saudi Arabia for the funeral of the king". Breaking news "NovostiMira"". www.novostimira.com.ua. Archived from the original on 2015-11-17.
  6. ↑ Nereim, Vivian (19 May 2023). "Zelensky Urges Arab Leaders to Reject Russian Influence". New York Times. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
  7. ↑ Gambrell, Jon (27 February 2024). "Ukrainian President Zelenskyy lands in Saudi Arabia to push for peace and a POW exchange with Russia". seattletimes.com. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
  8. ↑ "Zelensky lands in Saudi Arabia for unannounced visit". France 24. Agence France-Presse. 12 June 2024. Archived from the original on 14 June 2024. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  9. ↑ Balk, Tim (2025-03-10). "Zelensky Is Set to Meet With Saudi Crown Prince Before U.S.-Ukraine Talks". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
  10. ↑ "Ukraine signs deal with Saudi Arabia offering drone expertise". www.bbc.com. 2026-03-27. Retrieved 2026-04-08.
  11. ↑ "Zelensky visits Saudi Arabia for new security talks - World News". Hürriyet Daily News. 2026-04-24. Retrieved 2026-04-28.
  12. ↑ "Kuleba invites delegation of Saudi investors to visit Ukraine". 10 August 2021.
  13. ↑ "Site is undergoing maintenance".