Finance
Zelenskiy: Ukraine Reaching Agreement on Middle East Diesel Supplies
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 27, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 27, 2026
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on March 27, 2026, that Kyiv is negotiating diesel fuel import agreements with Middle Eastern countries to address severe shortages, with around 90% of the anticipated deficit expected in diesel. He also noted a new defense cooperation framework signed wi
Ukraine Pursues Middle East Diesel Deals as Zelenskiy Addresses Fuel Shortages
Ukraine Seeks Solutions to Diesel Shortages Through Middle East Partnerships
Zelenskiy's Diplomatic Efforts in the Middle East
March 27 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that Kyiv was working on reaching an agreement with countries in the Middle East on supplies of diesel, the type of fuel most in short supply in the country.
Zelenskiy was speaking to a Ukrainian television interviewer while on a tour of Middle Eastern countries. Earlier, he said Ukraine and Saudi Arabia had signed an agreement on defence cooperation that lays the foundation for future contracts, technological cooperation and investments.
Addressing the Diesel Shortage
Zelenskiy said he was discussing with his ministers and Naftogaz, the national gas production and distribution company, "a potential diesel shortage".
"I understand the importance of this task for Ukraine's security and believe that this issue will be resolved," he said.
"First and foremost, this is about diesel. Because about 90% of the potential shortage is specifically diesel. This is therefore the issue we are focusing on to resolve," he added.
Strengthening International Cooperation
Agreements with Saudi Arabia
Zelenskiy earlier said the framework agreement was signed ahead of a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Bolstering Support and Security
The president hopes during the visit to the Gulf to bolster support for Ukraine in its four-year-old war against Russia.
Kyiv has sent more than 220 experts to advise several Middle Eastern countries on how to intercept drone attacks that have wreaked havoc on energy infrastructure across the region.
Reporting and Editorial Information
(Reporting by Ron Popeski and Oleksandr Kozhukhar; editing by Edward Tobin)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine is facing critical diesel shortages — about 90% of its anticipated fuel shortfall — and is seeking supply deals with Middle Eastern partners (Zelenskiy, March 27)
- •Ukraine currently imports over 85% of its fuel and has experienced sharply declining diesel imports via southern routes, hitting lows unseen since mid‑2022
- •Past supplies from Slovakia and Hungary have been disrupted, intensifying urgency; pivoting to Middle Eastern supply is a strategic response amid global fuel market pressures
Frequently Asked Questions about Zelenskiy: Ukraine reaching agreement on Middle East diesel supplies
1What type of fuel is Ukraine most in need of?
Ukraine is most in need of diesel, which accounts for about 90% of the potential fuel shortage.
2Which countries is Ukraine negotiating with for diesel supplies?
Ukraine is negotiating with several Middle Eastern countries for diesel supplies.
3What agreement did Ukraine recently sign with Saudi Arabia?
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on defence cooperation, laying the foundation for future contracts and investments.
4Why is Ukraine focusing on resolving diesel shortages?
Diesel shortages are crucial for Ukraine's security, so resolving this issue is a government focus.
5How is Ukraine supporting Middle Eastern countries beyond fuel agreements?
Ukraine has sent over 220 experts to advise Middle Eastern countries on intercepting drone attacks on energy infrastructure.
