President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spent March 2026 on an intense round of diplomacy aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defenses, securing financial support and moving closer to European Union membership, according to a summary of his foreign policy work published by his office on April 2, 2026. Over the month he held 23 international meetings, made eight foreign visits and took part in 15 phone calls with world leaders.

Priorities for the month

Kyiv’s main goals were to unblock the EU’s €90 billion financial assistance package, advance accession negotiations, keep up sanctions pressure on Russia and expand the PURL and SAFE defense funding instruments. Bulgaria joined PURL in March, bringing the number of participating countries to 28.

Defense deals across Europe

  • United Kingdom: In his first strategic dialogue with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy signed a declaration on enhanced security and defense-industrial cooperation and addressed the UK Parliament.
  • Romania: In Bucharest, the two sides signed a strategic partnership declaration, an energy cooperation framework and a statement of intent on co-producing defense equipment in Romania.
  • Spain: Nine documents were signed in Madrid covering defense companies, financial cooperation, joint production and railway modernization, along with a list of products to be made under SAFE.
  • France: With President Emmanuel Macron, Zelenskyy agreed on concrete steps in air defense and combat aviation.

A push into the Gulf

Zelenskyy also expanded Ukraine’s partnerships in the Middle East. In Jeddah, Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed a defense cooperation arrangement laying the groundwork for contracts and technology investment. In Abu Dhabi, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates agreed on security and defense cooperation. In Doha, the two countries agreed on a defense partnership of at least 10 years, and the chiefs of the general staff of Ukraine and Qatar signed a cooperation agreement on joint defense-industry projects and co-production. Talks are also under way with Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain.

New funding and sanctions

The month brought fresh support, including the launch of the EU’s nearly €1.5 billion EDIP defense industry program, an additional €200 million from Germany for reconnaissance drones and civil protection, and €115 million from the UK to strengthen air defense for cities and critical infrastructure. Ukraine also imposed sanctions on nearly 130 Russian commanders accused of crimes against Ukrainians and shared their data with the EU.

Sources

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