President Zelensky seeks to leverage Saudi Arabia's growing diplomatic influence to negotiate a peace deal and mend ties with the U.S.
Zelensky Engages Saudi Prince to Accelerate Peace Talks with Russia
Zelensky Engages Saudi Prince to Accelerate Peace Talks with Russia
Ukrainian President aims for a favorable resolution as he meets Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince before critical U.S.-Ukraine discussions.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, as part of his efforts to mend relations with the United States and facilitate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. This high-stakes meeting comes just ahead of scheduled talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in the Gulf state.
Crown Prince Mohammed has worked to position Saudi Arabia as a central player in global diplomacy, despite past international scrutiny over human rights issues that the prince has denied. His nation previously played an essential role in a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange, and former President Trump has indicated it might host a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The discussion with Zelensky follows a previously postponed visit, which was meant to coincide with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. These talks aimed to re-establish relations and address the Ukraine war, sidelining Zelensky at the time.
Zelensky expressed his commitment on social media ahead of the meeting, emphasizing his resolve to end the war with “a just and lasting peace.” He reiterated Ukraine's desire for realistic peace proposals and stressed the importance of swift and effective action in the negotiations.
In the context of the ongoing conflict, which began three years ago with Russia's invasion, Zelensky's visit reflects Ukraine's enduring struggle for peace and international support. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the involvement of Saudi Arabia could prove pivotal in both achieving a resolution and enhancing regional stability.
Crown Prince Mohammed has worked to position Saudi Arabia as a central player in global diplomacy, despite past international scrutiny over human rights issues that the prince has denied. His nation previously played an essential role in a U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange, and former President Trump has indicated it might host a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The discussion with Zelensky follows a previously postponed visit, which was meant to coincide with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. These talks aimed to re-establish relations and address the Ukraine war, sidelining Zelensky at the time.
Zelensky expressed his commitment on social media ahead of the meeting, emphasizing his resolve to end the war with “a just and lasting peace.” He reiterated Ukraine's desire for realistic peace proposals and stressed the importance of swift and effective action in the negotiations.
In the context of the ongoing conflict, which began three years ago with Russia's invasion, Zelensky's visit reflects Ukraine's enduring struggle for peace and international support. As diplomatic efforts intensify, the involvement of Saudi Arabia could prove pivotal in both achieving a resolution and enhancing regional stability.
