Ukrainians living in the Middle East have been in a state of permanent anxiety since Thursday, when Russia began attacks on the Eastern European country.

War creates anxiety and fear for Ukrainians in the Middle East

photo_camera AP/PETR DAVID JOSEK - People fleeing the conflict in neighboring Ukraine arrive at Przemysl train station in Przemysl, Poland, Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.

People from Ukraine living in the various countries of the Arab world do not need to refresh the news on their phones, or be glued to the TV 24 hours a day to find out about the Russian invasion. Information about the conflict comes to them from friends and relatives who are in the country, suffering first-hand the consequences of the war

Mia, a Ukrainian immigrant in Lebanon, explained in a statement to the Arab News that she became very "anxious when a text message takes a long time to be delivered because immediately" she starts "thinking the worst, that my parents and my younger brother might have been killed". Despite her worries and anxiety, Mia explained that she was proud to be Ukrainian and proud of her family.  

REUTERS/UMIT BEKTAS - Residential building damaged, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Kiev, Ukraine February 25, 2022.

In addition to the day-to-day life during the conflict, concerns for those who are trying to leave the country are just as great. Alissa Alchimali, a Ukrainian resident in Kuwait, told the same media outlet that everyone she knows "has fled their home, looking for a place to stay near the border or in bomb shelters in their city". He also expressed in the same media his concern for his godmother's family, who were left halfway to the border with Poland.  

The attack on Ukraine has reminded the world that wars come without warning, and at the least expected time. Iryna, a resident of Dubai, explained that at first everyone was sceptical of a possible Russian invasion, but this situation reminded her that people always think that war is far away from them and that it will never touch them, but there was "Syria, Bosnia and now Ukraine". Iryna stressed on this point that it was "only a matter of time before we know who is next", adding that "people's political opinions, ignorance and indifference empower their governments". 

AFP/AFP - Map showing Kiev and surrounding area locating the Hostomel air base where a battle was fought between Ukrainian and Russian forces for control.

 

Arab countries' position 

 

Taking a position on the situation in Ukraine for Middle Eastern countries is proving to be quite complex. The new and recent relations between Russia and Arab countries make it difficult for them to take a clear position on the issue, forcing them to take a neutral stance. 

While Western democracies have unanimously condemned Russia's invasion, Arab monarchies have remained silent for the time being. The absence of clear positions on the issue is mainly due to the importance of issues such as energy, finance and security, according to experts. 

 

 

PHOTO/FILE - UN Security Council

On 25 February, the UAE abstained alongside China and India in the UN Security Council vote on the US-Albanian resolution demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Following this vote, the Emirati news agency WAM reported a phone call between the Emirati and US diplomatic chiefs. Following these statements, Russia reported a meeting in Moscow with Russian and Emirati foreign ministers early next week. 

On the other hand, Kuwait and Qatar did not criticise Russia, but did denounce the violence used. Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain remain silent on the conflict. 

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