ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a late-night arrival in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, as discussions regarding potential peace negotiations to resolve Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine gain traction.

U.S. President Donald Trump suggested last week that he may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia. The UAE, with its vibrant cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, has been considered a viable location for peace talks, largely due to its growing community of Russian and Ukrainian expatriates since the onset of the war, along with previous efforts by the Emirates in facilitating prisoner exchanges.

Zelenskyy arrived in Abu Dhabi following his participation at the Munich Security Conference in Germany. His office released footage showing both him and his wife, Olena Zelenska, being welcomed by an Emirati official and an honor guard upon their airport arrival late Sunday evening.

Olena Zelenska has visited the UAE since Russia’s vast invasion in 2022; however, this is Zelenskyy’s inaugural trip to the region since the conflict erupted.

According to Zelenskyy’s office, the trip’s primary objectives include securing the return of additional Ukrainian captives and fostering investment and economic collaboration, alongside initiating a comprehensive humanitarian initiative.

Interestingly, the UAE’s state-run WAM news agency did not provide immediate coverage of Zelenskyy’s arrival, a peculiarity given the high-profile nature of the visit.

Although specifics of his itinerary remain uncertain, Abu Dhabi is currently hosting the International Defense Exhibition and Conference, an arms fair where both Ukrainian and Russian representatives are showcasing their military capabilities, despite the prevailing Western sanctions on Moscow due to the ongoing war.

Russian investments continue to pour into Dubai’s booming real estate market. The frequency of flights between the UAE and Moscow serves as a crucial link for those escaping conscription as well as for members of the Russian elite. The U.S. Treasury under former President Biden raised concerns regarding the substantial influx of Russian funds into this Middle Eastern nation.

Zelenskyy’s visit follows the earlier arrival of Denis Manturov, Russia’s first deputy prime minister, who met with UAE leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president and ruler of Abu Dhabi. WAM’s report on their discussion highlighted the aim of enhancing UAE-Russia relations and exploring mutual interests that would benefit both nations and their citizens.

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to lead a delegation to Saudi Arabia this week for direct discussions with Russian officials regarding the war. This diplomatic outreach, along with Trump’s conversation with Putin, signifies a shift from years of U.S. policies under Biden that had effectively isolated Moscow in response to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine on February 24.