Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday, where he will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of peace talks with US officials later in the week. The discussions, which aim to explore a potential framework for ending the ongoing war with Russia, will take place in Riyadh or possibly Jeddah.
Key Developments:
- Peace Efforts: Zelensky’s visit comes as the Ukrainian president emphasizes his country’s desire for peace. His team will remain in Saudi Arabia to engage with US officials on possible solutions to the three-year conflict with Russia.
- US Involvement: Special US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the planned meeting, stating that the aim is to establish a peace agreement framework and an initial ceasefire. Witkoff also highlighted a letter sent by Zelensky to US President Donald Trump, expressing gratitude for the US’s support.
- Trump’s Reaction: Witkoff noted that Trump viewed Zelensky’s letter as a positive gesture following a previous confrontation, acknowledging the US’s significant assistance to Ukraine. However, a controversial deal involving Ukraine’s mineral wealth has not been agreed upon.
The Bigger Picture:
This diplomatic effort marks a critical moment in Ukraine’s quest for peace as it seeks to end the war with Russia. The meeting in Saudi Arabia could serve as a pivotal step toward achieving a ceasefire and negotiating a long-term resolution.
Volodymyr Zelensky Picture on Wikimedia by President of Ukraine Office CC-BY-4.0
