President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The Head of the Ukrainian State expressed his gratitude for Qatar's humanitarian support, including the $100 million provided to strengthen Ukraine's energy sector and to equip ambulances and surgical units, among other things.
The President acknowledged Qatar's major mediation role in returning home the illegally deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
"Only what we can document is around 20,000 abducted children. This is a terrifying figure, but the real number is even higher. That's why we need to continue this track. We are ready for further coordination and cooperation," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
President Zelenskyy also highlighted Qatar's interest in implementing First Lady Olena Zelenska's humanitarian projects aimed at restoring damaged hospitals.
The interlocutors discussed the situation in the Middle East agreed on the need for making efforts to de-escalate the conflict, seek peace, and protect civilians. The President emphasized the critical need humanitarian corridors operating without interruption to evacuate civilians and deliver humanitarian aid.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that during this challenging time, the Gulf nations' participation in the Ukrainian Peace Formula remains of utmost importance. The President expressed gratitude for the Qatari delegation's engagement in consultations of national security advisors in Jeddah and Qatar's readiness to attend the upcoming meeting in Malta.