The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has liquidated the Middle East Department: why it happened now

Liquidation of the Middle East and North Africa Department

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has liquidated the Middle East and North Africa Department, recalling Arabist diplomats to Kyiv. This decision was made in the context of Russia's active recruitment of mercenaries in Arab countries for the war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for three years.

The Ambassador of Iraq to Ukraine has repeatedly appealed to the Ministry for assistance, but now, after the liquidation of the relevant department, he cannot find the necessary support. As Ambassador Mohammad Farajallah noted,

“this ambassador upon arrival in Ukraine appealed to the Ministry several times. Where? To the Middle East Department. Attention, Yura: which has been liquidated.”

Thus, the absence of a specialized unit significantly complicates diplomatic interactions with the countries of the region.

Impact on Ukrainian-Arab relations

Additionally, the ambassador emphasized that Ukraine, at the level of national vision, does not pay enough attention to the Middle East, stating that “it does not deserve a department in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” This indicates a change in the priorities of Ukrainian diplomacy amid the ongoing aggression from Russia. The noted liquidation of the department may have long-term consequences for Ukrainian-Arab relations, as Middle Eastern countries are becoming increasingly important players on the international stage.

The liquidation of the Middle East and North Africa Department indicates a shift in the focus of Ukraine's foreign policy, concentrating on threats that are more relevant to the country. This may complicate not only bilateral relations with Arab countries but also affect Ukraine's ability to garner support from this region amid military conflict. An adequate diplomatic presence in the Middle East could be critically important for Ukraine, given the global shifts in the balance of power and the increasing role of Arab states in international affairs.