Zelenskyy’s Saudi Arabia Visit Precedes Critical US-Ukraine Discussions

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on March 10, ahead of critical US-Ukrainian talks in Jeddah meant to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy will not participate in the talks but will be represented by a high-level delegation. Tensions escalate as Russia continues its military campaign against Ukraine, prompting calls for a ceasefire amid uncertain US backing.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to Riyadh on March 10 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler. This visit precedes crucial discussions between Ukrainian and US officials in Jeddah, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, which has persisted for three years.

The United States, a principal military supporter of Ukraine, is pushing for a rapid conclusion to the conflict. As part of this strategy, the US is engaging in direct negotiations with Moscow while suspending military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The US-Ukrainian discussions on March 11 mark the first formal meeting after a contentious exchange that occurred in the Oval Office on February 28, when President Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Zelenskyy.

Zelenskyy has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming talks in Jeddah. Instead, Ukraine’s delegation will consist of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. They will engage with a US delegation likely featuring Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who departed for Saudi Arabia on March 9.

Zelenskyy conveyed his commitment to constructive dialogue through a post on X on March 9, 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.” Ukraine is expected to present a peace plan initiated by Zelenskyy, which prioritizes an air and sea truce as an initial measure.

Amid intense pressure from Washington, Zelenskyy is urged to swiftly reach a ceasefire with Russia, despite the lack of a US security guarantee. However, Russia has demonstrated little interest in halting hostilities, escalating its attacks and claiming recent territorial gains in Ukraine.

On March 9, former President Trump indicated that Ukraine’s endurance in the conflict might be doubtful, even with US support. During an interview with Fox News, he remarked, “Well, it may not survive anyway,” and criticized Zelenskyy for purportedly lacking gratitude toward the US, though he acknowledged the Ukrainian leader’s intelligence and resilience. Concurrently, the Russian Defense Ministry reported capturing several villages in the Kursk region and making gains in eastern Ukraine, with concerns that thousands of Ukrainian troops could be at risk of encirclement by Russian forces.

In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia is pivotal as discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia approach. With key US officials participating in crucial talks, the Ukrainian delegation will pursue a peace plan focused on establishing a truce. However, the situation remains precarious with Russia intensifying its military actions, and challenges concerning US support and security guarantees loom large on Ukraine’s path forward.

Original Source: www.rferl.org