Zelenskyy’s Diplomatic Mission to Saudi Arabia Prior to Key US-Ukraine Talks

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 10, ahead of US-Ukraine talks on March 11 focused on ending the war with Russia. Zelenskyy will not attend the talks, which will include key Ukrainian officials negotiating peace initiatives while facing pressure from the US for a cease-fire, despite escalating Russian attacks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Riyadh on March 10 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit occurs a day prior to significant negotiations between Ukrainian and US delegates in Jeddah aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. The discussions highlight the US’s role as Kyiv’s main military ally, pushing for a quick resolution while temporarily halting military and intelligence support to Ukraine.

The upcoming US-Ukrainian talks, scheduled for March 11, will mark the first formal engagement since a contentious meeting at the White House involving President Trump and Vice President JD Vance on February 28, which culminated in a public reprimand of Zelenskyy. Notably, Zelenskyy will not participate in the talks; instead, the Ukrainian delegation will be represented by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

The US team, which departed for Saudi Arabia on March 9, is expected to include Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. In a March 9 post on X, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, stating, “On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”

Kyiv plans to propose a peace initiative that entails an air and sea truce as an initial measure. Despite mounting pressure from Washington to secure a cease-fire with Russia—with no assurance of US security guarantees—Moscow has displayed little interest in halting hostilities. Russia has intensified its attacks, achieving battlefield successes recently, including recapturing several areas in the Kursk region and advancing in eastern Ukraine.

Amid these tensions, President Trump remarked that Ukraine might struggle to endure the conflict with Russia, even with US assistance. In a Fox News interview, he stated, “Well, it may not survive anyway,” while also characterizing Zelenskyy as “smart” and “tough,” though he claimed the Ukrainian leader expressed inadequate gratitude towards the US support.

President Zelenskyy’s trip to Saudi Arabia represents a crucial diplomatic effort ahead of US-Ukraine talks aimed at addressing the ongoing war with Russia. With a proposed peace plan potentially on the table, significant challenges remain as the US pushes for a cease-fire amidst heightened Russian military activity. The outcome of these discussions will be pivotal for Ukraine’s future amidst persistent hostilities and strategic uncertainties.

Original Source: www.rferl.org