Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of crucial US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This delegation excludes Zelenskyy, focusing instead on senior Ukrainian officials. The discussions come amid increased pressure from the US for a ceasefire, while Russia continues its aggressive military strategy.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Riyadh on March 10 for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking a crucial moment ahead of US-Ukraine negotiations in Jeddah focused on resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. These talks, scheduled for March 11, will be the first formal discussions following a heated exchange between Zelenskyy and US leaders in late February, which led to heightened tensions regarding military assistance.
Although Zelenskyy will not participate directly in the Jeddah discussions, the Ukrainian delegation will consist of significant figures, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. They are expected to meet with a US team likely featuring Trump’s envoy to the Middle East and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who departed for Saudi Arabia on March 9.
In a statement prior to his trip, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of a constructive dialogue. He expressed the urgency of negotiating a peace plan, which may incorporate an initial truce in air and sea operations as a strategic first step. Despite these efforts, there is skepticism regarding Russia’s willingness to agree to a ceasefire as attacks from Moscow have intensified recently.
Amid this backdrop, former President Trump publicly questioned Ukraine’s long-term viability amid reduced US support and reiterated criticisms of Zelenskyy’s perceived gratitude for American aid. Simultaneously, Russian forces have reported territorial gains against Ukraine, with significant strategic implications in the eastern regions of the conflict.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlights the urgency of international diplomatic engagements to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. The impending US-Ukraine talks provide a critical opportunity for both entities to explore potential resolutions despite the complexities surrounding military support and Russia’s recent escalation of hostilities. The discussions could pave the way for a proposed peace agreement, although significant challenges remain in achieving a ceasefire with Russia.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
