Diplomatic Geography of War: Zelenskyy’s and Foreign Leaders` International Visits

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s first foreign visit after the start of the full-scale war took place on December 21, 2022—almost ten months after the invasion. Before that, he had primarily addressed foreign parliaments and international forums online. The trip to the United States became a global media event: within 10 hours, Zelenskyy met with President Joe Biden, held a joint press conference, and addressed Congress. In total, the Ukrainian leader has visited the U.S. five times. However, this was not the most frequent destination of his visits.

Germany has been the key destination on President Zelenskyy’s diplomatic map. He has visited the country eight times and held numerous talks on security and Ukraine’s reconstruction. 

Next in frequency have been visits to Poland and France, primarily focused on bilateral negotiations. 

Among Eastern countries, President Zelenskyy has most frequently traveled to Saudi Arabia, which plays a significant role in negotiations on prisoner exchanges. The President has rarely visited Africa and the Pacific region, though leaders from countries such as Senegal, Zambia, Egypt, Indonesia, and Australia have visited Ukraine during the full-scale invasion. 

Among foreign leaders, representatives from Poland have visited Ukraine the most – 13 times since the war began. The Polish President has made seven visits, while the Prime Minister has made five. Other frequent visitors include the leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Slovakia, each of whom has visited six times. 

*Visits of presidents, chancellors, and prime ministers are included.

The heads of state from Germany and France, which have been key destinations for Zelenskyy’s foreign visits, have traveled to Ukraine significantly less frequently. The French President has visited only once, while the Germandiplo Chancellor has visited twice, reflecting a cautious political approach.  

European countries whose official representatives have not visited Ukraine at all during martial law include Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. South America remains the only continent whose leaders have not visited Ukraine since the start of the war. 

Ukrainian diplomacy has expanded its horizons since the start of the full-scale invasion. However, further strengthening of relations with African, South American, and South Asian countries remains necessary to ensure broader international support.