Zelenskyy Visits Saudi Arabia Before Key US-Ukraine Negotiations
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is visiting Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a day before critical US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy will not attend the talks, which are crucial for negotiating a potential cease-fire amid increasing Russian military aggression. Amidst this tension, US support levels for Ukraine remain uncertain following comments from Trump questioning Ukraine’s survivability.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to arrive in Riyadh on March 10 for talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes crucial discussions scheduled for March 11 in Jeddah between Ukrainian and US delegations focused on resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has persisted for three years.
The US, a key military ally of Ukraine, aims to achieve a swift resolution to the war, currently engaging in direct dialogue with Moscow while putting military assistance and intelligence sharing to Ukraine on hold. These meetings mark the first formal engagement since a tense exchange between Zelenskyy, US President Trump, and Vice President JD Vance on February 28, where Zelenskyy faced public criticism.
Zelenskyy announced he would not participate directly in the upcoming US-Ukraine discussions in Jeddah. Instead, the Ukrainian delegation will consist of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, chief of staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. They will confer with a US team that includes Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and national-security adviser Mike Waltz.
In a statement on March 9, Zelenskyy expressed commitment to a constructive dialogue, hoping for actionable agreements. He emphasized, “Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.” Initial discussions may revolve around a proposed peace plan featuring an air and sea truce as a foundational step.
Zelenskyy feels pressure from Washington to swiftly establish a cease-fire with Russia, despite the absence of a security guarantee from the US. Concurrently, Russia intensifies its military action, having recently claimed territorial gains and reported heightened attacks against Ukraine, as the situation remains precarious.
In a related note, Trump suggested Ukraine’s survival in the conflict remains uncertain, reflecting a leaning toward reducing US support for Kyiv. He described Zelenskyy as “smart” and “tough”, but criticized him for a perceived lack of gratitude for American assistance. The Russian Defense Ministry also reported successful recaptures of regions in Kursk and other areas, with alarms raised about the encirclement of Ukrainian troops.
Zelenskyy’s trip to Saudi Arabia marks a significant moment ahead of pivotal US-Ukraine negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. Despite pressure to negotiate a cease-fire, Zelenskyy’s absence from talks raises questions about Ukraine’s strategic position. Amid heightened military actions from Russia, the outcomes of the upcoming meetings will be critical in shaping future US-Ukraine relations and peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
