Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia is an important step towards a solution to the Russia-Ukraine war. A meeting with the US and Russian officials will discuss the ceasefire and potential peace agreement. Especially amid tensions with the United States, the mediator role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is important. Zelensky hopes from Crown Prince Salman, he left for Saudi Arabia.
Zelensky left for Saudi Arabia
US and Russian officials are scheduled to meet in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on the Russia-Ukraine war. Ukraine President Wolodimir Zelensky left for Saudi Arabia before the second round of peace negotiations on Monday. Here they will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Earlier, Zelensky’s visit to the United States was not good and he had a dispute with President Trump. However, Zelensky has now said that he has received positive signs from the United States. Meanwhile, Mohammad bin Salman has played an important role in mediator in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict after the war began in 2022, especially in a prisoner exchange agreement. Saudi Arabia was the host country for negotiations between Russia and the United States last month. Zelensky may be hoping that Crown Prince Salman will respect him and present his party on the deal.
Meeting between tensions with America
Zelensky is visiting at a time when relations between the United States and Ukraine have deteriorated dramatically, after which Washington has stopped sharing military assistance and intelligence with Kiev. Mohammed bin Salman is a friend of President Trump and has good relations with Putin. It is expected that Zelensky can be involved in a conversation with Russian officials by this meeting or his party on behalf of the United States.
There will be a meeting with American officials
A meeting with US officials will focus on important issues such as combined mineral deals and how to end the war in Ukraine. Although Zelensky is trying to restore US support, they are expected to not attend the meeting. The Ukrainian delegation will include a senior military officer in their Chief of Staff, Foreign and Defense Ministers and President’s administration. “From us, we are fully committed to trusted negotiations, and we hope we will discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps,” Zelensky said in a post on X. Now it remains to be seen how beneficial it will be for him to meet Saudi Crown Prince Salman before the visit begins.
