Zelenskyy’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Precedes US-Ukraine Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is traveling to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of US-Ukraine peace talks in Jeddah aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy’s delegation will engage in discussions with US officials, following strained relations with President Trump. Despite pressure for a cease-fire agreement, Moscow continues aggressive operations in Ukraine, complicating the potential for peace negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to Riyadh on March 10, where he will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes vital discussions between Ukrainian and US delegations in Jeddah on March 11, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict caused by Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, which has persisted for three years.
The United States, a crucial military ally to Ukraine, seeks to conclude the conflict swiftly and has been engaging in dialogues with Moscow while halting military and intelligence support to Ukraine. This meeting will mark the first formal engagement since a contentious interaction between Zelenskyy, US President Trump, and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office on February 28, which led to Zelenskyy being asked to leave.
Zelenskyy will not partake in the discussions in Jeddah but has appointed a delegation consisting of Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov to represent Ukraine. The US delegation is anticipated to feature Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, with Rubio traveling to Saudi Arabia on March 9.
In a statement made on March 9 via the social platform X, Zelenskyy expressed commitment to constructive dialogue, asserting, “Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.” Kyiv is likely to advocate for a peace proposal that initiates with an air and sea truce.
Despite the pressure from Washington to rapidly negotiate a cease-fire with Russia, no assurances of US security support have been confirmed. Concurrently, Moscow has intensified its military operations against Ukraine, achieving battlefield advances recently. On March 9, Trump indicated that Ukraine might struggle to survive the war, emphasizing the lack of a guarantee for support despite ongoing discussions.
Furthermore, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the recapture of several towns within its borders and new territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, raising concerns about the vulnerability of Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s impending visit to Saudi Arabia and the subsequent US-Ukrainian talks represent a critical juncture in ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. While Zelenskyy has expressed commitment to constructive dialogue and proposed peace initiatives, the lack of US security guarantees complicates the situation. The recent surge in Russian military actions further underscores the urgency and challenges surrounding these negotiations.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
