Zelenskyy Meets Saudi Crown Prince in Jeddah Ahead of Crucial US-Ukraine Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a high-stakes meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions come ahead of critical US-Ukraine talks, as Kyiv seeks to mend strained relations with Washington and explore solutions to the ongoing war with Russia.
Ukraine’s Diplomatic Push in Saudi Arabia
Jeddah, a key port city on the Red Sea, will serve as the venue for the US-Ukraine negotiations. Saudi Arabia has played an active mediating role in international conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, brokering prisoner exchanges and hosting recent diplomatic engagements between Moscow and Washington.
Zelenskyy’s visit underscores Ukraine’s push for continued military and diplomatic support amid shifting US policies. The meeting with the Saudi crown prince is expected to cover mediation efforts, regional security, and potential economic partnerships.
Tensions Between Ukraine and the US
The upcoming US-Ukraine talks follow a tense White House meeting in February between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. The encounter exposed growing differences between the two nations regarding the war in Ukraine. In a major policy shift, the US has reduced military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv, instead focusing on direct negotiations with Moscow in an effort to bring a swift end to the conflict.
Under Joe Biden’s administration, the US was Ukraine’s strongest ally, providing extensive military and financial support. However, Trump’s presidency has taken a different approach, linking future aid to Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate peace terms with Russia.
Key Issues on the US-Ukraine Agenda
- Military Aid and Security Commitments
- Ukraine seeks long-term security assurances and continued military assistance from the US.
- Washington has signaled that further support depends on Ukraine’s willingness to enter peace negotiations with Russia.
- Rare Earth Minerals Agreement
- The US has been interested in securing access to Ukraine’s valuable rare earth minerals.
- A proposed agreement between Zelenskyy and Trump remains unresolved, which could influence future US support.
- Peace Talks with Russia
- Ukraine has indicated openness to negotiations, including potential prisoner exchanges and a ceasefire.
- However, reaching a sustainable agreement will require significant concessions from both Kyiv and Moscow, a point Trump has emphasized in previous public statements.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in the Negotiations
Saudi Arabia, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, has emerged as a key player in global diplomacy. The kingdom has successfully mediated discussions on conflicts in Sudan and Gaza while maintaining strategic ties with both the US and Russia through the OPEC+ alliance. Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance makes it an ideal host for these critical discussions.
Participants and Expectations
The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, along with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The US team will be headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, supported by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
This high-level meeting is expected to shape the future of US-Ukraine relations, influence peace efforts with Russia, and redefine global diplomatic strategies moving forward. The outcomes of these discussions could have lasting geopolitical implications, determining Ukraine’s path in the ongoing war and its relations with the West.