The Gulf state has become the first Arab nation to offer humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the Russian invasion

United Arab Emirates announces $5 million in humanitarian assistance for Ukrainian people

photo_camera PHOTO/AHMAD ABDO - United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan

The United Arab Emirates has announced a $5 million aid package for the Ukrainian people. "The UAE donated $5 million to the United Nations to be used for its humanitarian and refugee-related response to the war in Ukraine," the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

The move comes in response to the UN Humanitarian Flash Appeal and the $1.7 billion Regional Refugee Response Plan for Ukraine to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to both Ukrainian civilians and refugees. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres officially launched the appeal to fund humanitarian operations in Ukraine on 1 March. According to reports from the agency, this humanitarian assistance is essential to help the thousands of citizens who are stranded by the shortages in their country

REUTERS/SERHII NUZHNENKO - Vehículos blindados destruidos se ven a través de las ventanas rotas de una casa, mientras continúa la invasión rusa de Ucrania, en la ciudad de Bucha en la región de Kiev, Ucrania, 1 de marzo de 2022

"The UAE has stressed the importance of focusing on the deteriorating humanitarian situation for civilians, including by ensuring their protection" and "unhindered access for humanitarian agencies and actors and safe passage for those seeking to leave the country without discrimination or hindrance," the statement noted, adding that these words were reflected during the UN Security Council meeting on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine on 28 February.

Since the outbreak of the invasion, the UAE has remained neutral and has not chosen sides as other Arab nations such as Kuwait have done, taking a stand against the Russian offensive. The country also advocates a diplomatic response and has called for a ceasefire. Such neutrality could be seen in the abstention from the binding resolution presented by the United States to the UN Council condemning the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory. In the end, the resolution was vetoed by Russia, which, as a permanent member of the Council, prevents any action. 

PHOTO/AFP  -   La Asamblea General de la ONU condena por mayoría la invasión rusa de Ucrania, 2 de marzo de 2022

However, yesterday a special emergency session of the UN General Assembly was held to adopt a resolution condemning the Ukrainian invasion and calling for the withdrawal of Russian troops, and the Arab country voted in favour of the condemnation, disassociating itself from its previous abstention from the Council. In the end, the resolution was approved with 141 votes in favour, 5 votes against and 35 abstentions. Although it is not binding, it does show Moscow's international isolation in the eyes of the international community.

The aid offered by the UAE will be of great benefit both to the civilians who remain in Ukraine, resisting Russia's invasion, and to the thousands of refugees who have fled their homes. The humanitarian situation on the borders with Ukraine, including in Poland and Romania, is increasingly serious and unstable, with thousands of people living in makeshift camps. In addition, low temperatures and heavy snowfall in the last few days have made the situation even worse. 

PHOTO/BANDAR ALGALOUD  -   El príncipe heredero de Abu Dhabi, el jeque Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan

Contrary to this economic aid, the United Arab Emirates has suspended visa waivers for Ukrainian citizens, while Kiev's embassy in the Persian Gulf state said that "thousands of people are fleeing the war in Ukraine". "If Ukrainians are not allowed to enter the country now and they don't need a visa, I really see it as a crime to leave this country. How can they get a visa at this moment? It is impossible," he added.

The Gulf country's position is very much marked by good relations with Russia, trade between the two nations was strengthened in 2021, as well as the arrival of thousands of Russian tourists to Dubai over the past year. However, the UAE in conflict situations always shows solidarity, so such humanitarian aid is of a significant nature because according to UN estimates, 12 million citizens, and more than 4 million refugees will need help in the coming months, more than 650,000 people have fled Ukraine within a week of the start of the invasion.

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