Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of crucial US-Ukrainian talks on March 11 in Jeddah, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy will not attend the discussions, with high-level officials representing Ukraine and the US. The talks emerge amid heightened military actions from Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is traveling to Riyadh on March 10 for discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes significant negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials scheduled for March 11 in Jeddah, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for three years.
These US-Ukrainian talks mark the first formal meeting since an Oval Office confrontation on February 28, where President Zelenskyy faced heated criticism from US President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Notably, Zelenskyy will not attend the discussions in Jeddah. Instead, the Ukrainian delegation will comprise Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, chief of staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The US delegation is expected to include Trump’s envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and national-security adviser Mike Waltz, with Rubio having departed for Saudi Arabia on March 9. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of 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,” while promoting realistic proposals for swift action.
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores the urgency surrounding the conflict in Ukraine, as high-stakes discussions with US officials loom. The Ukrainian delegation aims to present a comprehensive peace plan while facing mounting pressure from Washington. Despite this, the situation remains challenging, with Russia intensifying its military actions and the lack of pledges for security guarantees from the US.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
