Zelensky Meets UAE President; UK Pledges $133M Air Defense Aid; Rubio Dismisses Donbas Deal Reports

Ukrainian President Zelensky met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on March 28, discussing the Gulf security situation, Iranian attacks, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and the impact on global oil markets. The UAE has served as a key backchannel mediator between Ukraine and Russia throughout 2025–2026. The UK announced an additional $133 million in air defense support for Ukraine; PM Keir Starmer stated: 'As Putin continues his abhorrent attacks across Ukraine, my message is simple — there will be no let up in the UK's support.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed claims that Zelensky had offered to cede Donbas in exchange for security guarantees, calling the reports untrue. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the detention of a Russian GRU military intelligence agent in Donetsk Oblast who had been coordinating Russian airstrikes against Ukrainian forces in the Pokrovsk sector. On the frontline, 181 combat engagements were recorded on March 27 across all directions.