Zelenskyy Travels to Saudi Arabia Ahead of High-Stakes US-Ukraine Talks
President Zelenskyy is set to travel to Saudi Arabia for meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of high-stakes US-Ukrainian discussions aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. Tensions mount as the US seeks a swift cease-fire, while both sides grapple with ongoing military actions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Riyadh on March 10 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes significant discussions between Ukrainian and US representatives in Jeddah aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia. The US, being a principal supporter of Ukraine, is pursuing a swift resolution and has engaged in direct negotiations with Moscow while temporarily halting military aid to Ukraine.
The forthcoming US-Ukrainian talks on March 11 mark the first formal dialogue following a dispute in the Oval Office on February 28, where President Zelenskyy, US President Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance engaged in a heated argument resulting in criticism directed at the Ukrainian leader. President Zelenskyy will not participate in the talks, which will include prominent figures such as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, alongside a US delegation featuring Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national-security adviser Mike Waltz.
In a message posted on X on March 9, Zelenskyy expressed his commitment to 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 is expected to present a peace plan designed by Zelenskyy that initiates an air and sea truce as a foundational step.
President Zelenskyy faces considerable pressure from US officials to reach a cease-fire agreement with Russia, even without assurances of a US security guarantee. However, Moscow has shown little willingness to halt hostilities, continuing its offensive actions towards Ukraine and claiming recent territorial gains.
In a recent Fox News interview, President Trump suggested that Ukraine might not withstand the war with Russia even with American support, stating, “Well, it may not survive anyway.” He further reiterated his view that Zelenskyy has not shown adequate appreciation for US assistance, acknowledging him as “smart” and “tough,” but maintaining that gratitude has been lacking. Concurrently, the Russian Defense Ministry announced recent victories, claiming the recapture of various villages and towns, highlighting the ongoing escalation of conflict in the region.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment in the diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict with Russia. As discussions between US and Ukrainian officials commence, the pressure for a cease-fire intensifies, despite ongoing hostilities. Zelenskyy’s absence from the talks may indicate the complexities of international relations amidst a challenging military landscape, where the outcomes remain uncertain. The emphasis on constructive dialogue reveals a desire for resolution, yet challenges persist as both parties navigate the conflict.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
