Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of U.S.-Ukraine talks aimed at addressing the conflict with Russia. The discussions are critical following previous tensions with U.S. leadership, and Zelenskyy will not attend them directly. Kyiv plans to propose a peace plan, yet faces immense pressure from Washington amid rising Russian aggression.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Riyadh on March 10 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes high-stakes talks in Jeddah between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations, aimed at resolving the protracted conflict with Russia. The United States, serving as Kyiv’s primary military ally, seeks a prompt conclusion to hostilities through direct discussions with Moscow, notably suspending military aid to Ukraine.
The meeting on March 11 marks the first formal discussions since a contentious exchange in the Oval Office on February 28, involving President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and President Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy has opted not to participate in the talks in Jeddah; however, the Ukrainian delegation will comprise Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The U.S. delegation is expected to include Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who departed for Saudi Arabia late on March 9. Zelenskyy expressed commitment to a 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.”
Kyiv plans to propose a peace plan initiated by an air and sea truce. Zelenskyy faces significant pressure from Washington to negotiate a cease-fire with Russia, despite the lack of a U.S. security guarantee, while Moscow maintains an aggressive stance, intensifying its attacks.
On March 9, Trump remarked on Ukraine’s precarious situation, stating, “Well, it may not survive anyway,” while acknowledging Zelenskyy’s resilience. Concurrently, the Russian Defense Ministry reported successful offensives, claiming to have recaptured territories in its Kursk region and eastern Ukraine, with suggestions that numerous Ukrainian troops might be in danger of encirclement.
President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia and subsequent discussions with U.S. representatives underline the urgency for a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. With the intricate dynamics at play, including pressure from Washington and the aggressive posture of Moscow, the negotiations are pivotal in determining the future of Ukraine. The upcoming dialogue will reflect the delicate balance between pursuing peace and securing international support amidst escalating hostilities.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
