Zelenskiy Visits Saudi Arabia for Key Talks with Crown Prince

RIYADH— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a crucial meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ahead of pivotal talks between Ukrainian and US officials aimed at finding a way to end the ongoing war with Russia. The visit comes at a critical time for Kyiv, as the United States, once Ukraine’s primary ally, has shifted its wartime policies, pursuing a rapid resolution to the conflict while reducing military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Zelenskiy is expected to engage in discussions with the Saudi Crown Prince, who has played a role in mediating since Russia’s 2022 invasion, including brokering prisoner exchanges and facilitating recent talks between Russia and the United States. The diplomatic effort in Saudi Arabia comes as the US prepares for bilateral talks with Ukrainian officials on Tuesday, marking the first official meeting since a contentious Oval Office encounter between Zelenskiy and US President Donald Trump.

The talks are expected to focus on a minerals deal and the possibility of ending the war. Under immense pressure from Trump, who has called for a swift end to the conflict, Zelenskiy is seeking to align with US priorities despite not securing the security guarantees Kyiv deems essential for any peace agreement. Zelenskiy announced that he would not attend the talks directly but would send his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and a top military official to represent Ukraine.

“We are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps,” Zelenskiy said in a post on X. “Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”

Special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is facilitating the talks, has suggested that the goal is to establish a framework for a peace agreement and potentially initiate a ceasefire. Zelenskiy has called for a temporary truce, especially in the air and at sea, and has proposed a prisoner exchange to test Russia’s commitment to peace. However, Moscow has rejected the idea of a truce, calling it a strategy to buy time for Ukraine and prevent its military collapse.

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With the US support increasingly uncertain, Zelenskiy is urging European allies to step up their assistance as Ukraine faces mounting pressure from Russian forces. Ukraine’s position on the battlefield is deteriorating, especially in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are at risk of being encircled by Russian forces. Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, and has intensified its attacks on cities far from the frontlines.

In the past week alone, Russia has launched over 1,200 aerial bombs, nearly 870 attack drones, and more than 80 missiles, further escalating the already intense conflict. As Ukraine grapples with these challenges, Zelenskiy remains focused on securing a favorable outcome from the ongoing diplomatic discussions.