Zelenskyy Engages Saudi Leadership Ahead of Critical US-Ukraine Negotiations
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to US-Ukrainian talks aimed at addressing the conflict with Russia. The discussions will take place in Jeddah on March 11, featuring notable Ukrainian officials. Zelenskyy will not attend the talks directly, focusing instead on promoting a peace plan amidst pressure to achieve a swift ceasefire. The situation remains tense with Russia intensifying military efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to Riyadh on March 10 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes important negotiations between Ukrainian and US delegations in Jeddah, aimed at addressing Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The US, being Ukraine’s primary military supporter, is advocating for a swift resolution to the conflict. It is engaging in direct discussions with Moscow while simultaneously halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
The US-Ukrainian talks, occurring on March 11, will mark the first formal engagement since a notable disagreement between Zelenskyy, US President Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance on February 28, which resulted in Zelenskyy’s public reprimand and departure from the White House.
Zelenskyy will not participate directly in the Jeddah discussions. However, the Ukrainian delegation will include Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. They are set to meet with a US group expected to comprise Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who departed for Saudi Arabia on March 9.
In a post on X on March 9, Zelenskyy expressed 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. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”
Kyiv is anticipated to present a peace plan proposed by Zelenskyy, which includes a ceasefire in air and sea operations as an initial measure. Although pressures mount from Washington for a swift ceasefire with Russia, no US security guarantee has been promised to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its military actions and reported territorial gains recently.
On March 9, Trump indicated in an interview with Fox News that Ukraine might fail to prevail in the war against Russia despite US backing, remarking, “Well, it may not survive anyway.” He reiterated his perspective that Zelenskyy has not exhibited adequate gratitude for US support, although he acknowledged Zelenskyy as “smart” and “tough.”
The Russian Defense Ministry reported on March 9 the reclamation of several villages and towns in its Kursk region and new territories in eastern Ukraine, suggesting that thousands of Ukrainian troops may risk encirclement by advancing Russian forces.
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlights the significant diplomatic efforts ongoing to resolve the war in Ukraine. Despite internal and external pressures, the talks scheduled for March 11 aim to explore a potential ceasefire and peace plan. However, the uncertainty surrounding negotiations and Russia’s military advancement present formidable challenges. The outcome of these discussions is crucial for both Ukraine and its supporters in the US.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
