Ukraine FM Sybha says express Ukraine’s solidarity with Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE amid Iran’s reckless attacks

Ukraine FM Sybha says express Ukraine’s solidarity with Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE amid Iran’s reckless attacks

Ukraine Expresses Solidarity with Gulf and Middle Eastern Nations Amid Iran’s Retaliatory Strikes

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has condemned Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks on Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, calling the strikes “a blatant violation of sovereignty and a threat to regional stability” according to reports. The attacks, launched in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, have intensified geopolitical tensions and disrupted energy markets, with oil price volatility anticipated as infrastructure risks in the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved as reported.

Sybiha emphasized Ukraine’s unwavering support for the affected nations, stating, “The violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime are the root cause of these escalations. We stand with the people of Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE in their pursuit of security and dignity” according to the statement. Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued advisories urging its citizens to leave Iran and other high-risk regions amid heightened instability as announced.

The attacks have disrupted regional trade and energy flows, with airlines canceling flights and Gulf states reinforcing air defenses. Saudi Arabia, for instance, reported repelling an Iranian assault on its capital and eastern oil hubs, while Qatar and Bahrain condemned the strikes as “cowardly” violations of their sovereignty according to reports. The European Union has called for restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize global energy markets and undermine non-proliferation efforts as stated.

Economically, the Gulf states face dual pressures: managing the fallout from Iran’s retaliatory strikes and navigating their delicate balancing act between Western allies and Russia. For example, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have maintained close economic ties with Russia despite the Ukraine conflict, with bilateral trade reaching $11.2 billion and $3.3 billion, respectively, in 2023 according to analysis. However, the current crisis may accelerate regional efforts to diversify partnerships and strengthen Gulf-centric security frameworks, as outlined in the 2024 Vision for Regional Security as detailed.

Ukraine’s stance aligns with broader calls for diplomatic solutions, including China’s advocacy for renewed negotiations and Oman’s warnings against further U.S. involvement according to reports. As the U.N. Security Council prepares an emergency session, the focus remains on mitigating spillover risks to global markets and preventing a broader regional war as indicated.

For investors, the conflict underscores vulnerabilities in energy supply chains, geopolitical insurance costs, and the potential for prolonged sanctions cycles affecting trade with Iran and its allies. The Gulf’s strategic recalibration—balancing U.S. alliances, Russian economic ties, and regional security—will likely shape long-term investment dynamics in the Middle East.