Zelensky to Meet Saudi Crown Prince Ahead of U.S. Talks

Zelensky Scheduled to Meet Saudi Crown Prince Amidst Peace Efforts in Ukraine-Russia War

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia on Monday, amid ongoing attempts to mend his somewhat strained relationship with the United States and secure favorable terms for ending the protracted conflict with Russia. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic engagement as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a critical mediator in the crisis that has gripped Ukraine since Russia’s invasion three years ago.

The meeting between Zelensky and Prince Mohammed, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, is timed just before discussions are set to occur between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives in the oil-rich Gulf nation. The Crown Prince aims to establish Saudi Arabia as a pivotal player on the global diplomatic front, and he has previously engaged in discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Notably, Saudi Arabia played a crucial role in a complex prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia last year, signaling its intent to take a more active role in international diplomacy surrounding the war. Former President Donald Trump has also suggested that the kingdom could host future meetings between himself and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the importance of Saudi Arabia in the broader geopolitical landscape.

Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia was initially postponed last month when the country hosted a meeting involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This meeting sought to reset the U.S.-Russia relationship while discussing the ongoing war in Ukraine, a dialogue from which Zelensky was notably absent.

However, in a determined turnaround, Zelensky announced on social media on Saturday that he would travel to Saudi Arabia, expressing his commitment to ending the war in pursuit of "a just and lasting peace." He emphasized Ukraine’s longstanding pursuit of peace since the onset of the conflict and insisted that viable proposals for resolution are available. "The key is to move quickly and effectively,” he wrote, stressing the urgency of the situation.

The Ukrainian president finds himself under considerable pressure from the Trump administration to reach a peace accord. Recently, he appeared to recalibrate his public messaging following discouraging comments from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who criticized him in the Oval Office. They expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceived as a lack of appreciation for the support that Ukraine has received from the United States. Trump has persistently argued that Zelensky does not possess the leverage he needs given Russia’s military capabilities and has urged Ukraine to accept the diplomatic terms set forth by the U.S. in order to resolve the conflict.

Despite these pressures, there are emerging signs that Ukraine’s military position may be improving. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have successfully stalled a Russian offensive and have even regained control of small territories that had previously been lost. This shift on the battlefield could impact the dynamics of the negotiations.

Steve Witkoff, a special envoy to the Middle East from the Trump administration, remarked that Zelensky’s more deferential posture following the tensions in the Oval Office has enhanced Ukraine’s standing among American officials. Nonetheless, the U.S. has placed a pause on military assistance to Ukraine, which could further complicate Ukraine’s negotiating leverage as discussions progress.

Zelensky expressed his desire for a constructive dialogue during his upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia and hopes to "discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps" with Prince Mohammed. Meanwhile, Senator Marco Rubio is scheduled to be in Jeddah for talks with Ukrainian officials through Wednesday, and he is also expected to meet with the Crown Prince shortly after his arrival.

Interestingly, Trump’s stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict has shown some inconsistencies. He indicated on social media that he is contemplating imposing significant sanctions on Russia to facilitate a peace deal for Ukraine. Yet, mere hours later, he claimed to reporters that discussions with Russia were proceeding positively and admitted that he found it increasingly challenging to engage with Ukraine.

As Zelensky embarks on these crucial talks in Saudi Arabia, his leadership and negotiation skills will be under intense scrutiny. The outcomes of these discussions could have far-reaching implications not only for Ukraine’s future but also for the stability of the broader region as the West and Russia navigate their complex relationship.