By Dr. Maksym Subkh
Ambassador of Ukraine
Special to The Times Kuwait
On April 18, 2026, Ukraine and the State of Kuwait mark the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Over this period, the two countries have made significant progress in developing bilateral dialogue, laying a solid foundation for further strengthening friendship and cooperation in the political, economic, humanitarian, and security spheres.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1993, the Ukrainian–Kuwaiti partnership has steadily evolved on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and a shared aspiration for stability and prosperity. The Embassy of the State of Kuwait, opened in Kyiv in 1995, became the first diplomatic mission from the Gulf region in Ukraine – a clear symbol of sincere intentions and a strong commitment to building lasting relations between the two friendly countries. In turn, Ukraine opened its Embassy in Kuwait in 2003, providing new impetus to bilateral contacts and cooperation across various fields.
The year 2003 holds a special place in the history of bilateral relations. At the request of the Government of Kuwait, Ukraine deployed a unit of its Armed Forces specialized in protection against radiation, chemical, and biological threats. Ukrainian personnel carried out an important mission to help protect the population of Kuwait from potential risks associated with weapons of mass destruction. This step demonstrated a genuine partnership and Ukraine’s readiness to act as a responsible contributor to security.
The current stage of bilateral relations is marked by intensified political dialogue at the highest levels. Important milestones include contacts between the leadership of the two countries, in particular the meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in Jeddah in 2023 on the sidelines of the Arab Summit. Ukraine continues to maintain a regular and constructive dialogue with the State of Kuwait, attaching great importance to Kuwait’s role as a key partner in the region.
Recent months have seen active high-level contacts, including telephone conversations between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as well as contacts at the level of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha and Sheikh Jarrah Al-Sabah. The recent visit of the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine to Kuwait also became an important element of bilateral dialogue. These interactions demonstrate that cooperation remains dynamic and focused on further deepening engagement.
Ukraine highly appreciates Kuwait’s firm and principled position in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kuwait has consistently reaffirmed this stance in numerous international fora, particularly within the framework of the United Nations, by supporting key General Assembly resolutions aimed at upholding international law. Such support is of particular importance in the context of the ongoing full-scale aggression against Ukraine.
Kuwait’s contribution to humanitarian assistance for Ukraine is equally significant. From the very first days of the full-scale war, Kuwait joined international efforts to support the Ukrainian people. Assistance provided through international organizations, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the supply of essential equipment to the energy sector constitute tangible manifestations of solidarity and humanity – principles that have long guided Kuwait’s foreign policy.
The history of cooperation between the two friendly countries also includes notable examples of joint efforts in the field of international development. In particular, Kuwait became the first Arab country to contribute to the Shelter Project at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, demonstrating its readiness to support Ukraine in addressing global challenges.
The economic dimension of bilateral relations holds considerable potential for further development. Despite the difficult circumstances caused by the war, trade turnover between Ukraine and Kuwait in 2024–2025 indicates prospects for the gradual resumption of economic interaction. At the same time, significant untapped potential remains. Ukraine is interested in expanding its agricultural exports and in developing joint projects in the areas of food security, energy, infrastructure, and digital technologies.
Kuwait’s potential involvement in the reconstruction of Ukraine represents a particularly promising avenue of cooperation. Given its substantial investment capacity and extensive experience in implementing international projects, Kuwaiti partners could play an important role in rebuilding Ukraine’s infrastructure, energy system, healthcare, and education sectors.
For its part, Ukraine is committed to creating favorable conditions for attracting foreign investment, ensuring transparency and reliability of the relevant mechanisms. Humanitarian and educational cooperation remains an important area of engagement. Ukraine expresses its sincere gratitude to Kuwait for providing scholarships to Ukrainian students and supporting academic exchange. Efforts will continue to expand these ties and strengthen people-to-people contacts.
Ukraine attaches particular importance to developing cooperation with the countries of the Gulf region in a broader regional context. The signing of the Joint Action Plan for Strategic Dialogue between Ukraine and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for 2025–2030, during Kuwait’s presidency of the GCC, opens new opportunities for structured cooperation in key areas.
Today, Ukraine and Kuwait face new challenges, while also gaining new opportunities. Our countries share a common understanding of the importance of respect for international law, the preservation of peace, and the maintenance of stability. Deepening the Ukrainian–Kuwaiti partnership will serve the interests of both peoples and contribute to strengthening regional and global security.
We also note with appreciation the outcomes of the 29th meeting of the Joint Council of the EU Security and Defence Reform and Response Mechanism, held in Kuwait in October 2025, which reaffirmed continued support for Ukraine and condemned the escalation of attacks against civilians, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and threats to nuclear facilities.
In the context of the current situation in the Gulf region, Ukraine expresses its full solidarity with the leadership and people of Kuwait. Ukraine commends the wisdom and restraint demonstrated by the Kuwaiti leadership in responding to external challenges. This approach has contributed to maintaining stability and safeguarding national interests.
Ukraine remains open to expanding cooperation with the State of Kuwait in the security sphere, taking into account practical experience in addressing contemporary challenges, particularly in countering drone and missile threats, as well as in cybersecurity. Such cooperation may develop through the exchange of expertise, consultations, and the implementation of joint initiatives that serve the interests of both countries.
Recent developments in the Middle East have also underscored Ukraine’s role as a contributor to security. At the highest level, Ukraine has reaffirmed its readiness to support its partners in the Gulf region, particularly in addressing modern security threats. As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized, “Ukraine is ready to assist partners who support us.” Ukraine also welcomes efforts aimed at de-escalation and calls for strengthening regional security through practical cooperation.
In this context, the two countries may consider concluding relevant framework agreements that would help consolidate dialogue and establish a long-term foundation for mutually beneficial cooperation in the security sphere. The Ukrainian side would warmly welcome the early resumption of the work of the Embassy of the State of Kuwait in Kyiv. At present, more than 60 foreign diplomatic missions are fully operational in the Ukrainian capital.
We are confident that, thanks to the wise leadership of the two friendly countries, Ukraine and Kuwait will be able to fully realize the opportunities and potential of their bilateral relations in the near future, further strengthening dialogue, friendship, and cooperation.
On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Kuwait, we express our sincere gratitude to the leadership and people of the State of Kuwait for their steadfast support and genuine friendship. Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation and looks to the future of bilateral relations with confidence and optimism.
