Zelenskiyy Heads to Saudi Arabia for Crucial US Talks
President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy is set to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. This visit precedes important discussions between Ukrainian and US officials regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia, a situation that is becoming increasingly critical for Kyiv.
Background: US Policy Shift
The United States, previously Ukraine's primary ally, has adjusted its wartime strategies, aiming for a swift resolution to the conflict. This shift involves direct engagement with Moscow while reducing military aid and intelligence support to Kyiv.
Saudi Arabia's Role
Mohammed bin Salman's Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in mediating efforts since Russia's invasion in 2022. These efforts include facilitating prisoner exchanges and hosting discussions between Russia and the United States in the past month.
Key Discussion Points
Zelenskiyy's meeting with Mohammed bin Salman is anticipated to cover several critical areas:
- Strategies for de-escalating the conflict in Ukraine.
- Potential humanitarian initiatives.
- Saudi Arabia's continued role as a mediator in the region.
US-Ukraine Talks
The upcoming discussions between US and Ukrainian officials mark the first formal meeting since a challenging encounter between Zelenskiyy and US President Donald Trump. These talks are expected to concentrate on a bilateral minerals agreement and strategies to bring the war to an end.
Challenges and Pressures
Under significant pressure from Trump, who is pushing for a rapid conclusion to the war, Zelenskiyy is keen to demonstrate alignment. However, he has yet to secure US security guarantees, which Kyiv views as essential for any viable peace agreement.
Ukrainian Delegation
Zelenskiyy himself will not be attending the talks with US officials. Instead, the Ukrainian delegation will include key figures such as his chief of staff, foreign and defence ministers, and a high-ranking military official from the presidential administration.
Zelenskiyy's Stance
“On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps,” Zelenskiyy stated in a post on X. He emphasized the importance of swift and effective action, noting that “Realistic proposals are on the table.”
Framework for Agreement
Steve Witkoff, the Trump special envoy responsible for arranging the talks, indicated that the goal is to “get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well.”
Proposed Truce
Zelenskiyy has advocated for a cessation of hostilities in the air and at sea, along with a prisoner exchange, as a potential indicator of Russia’s commitment to ending the war. However, Moscow has dismissed the idea of a temporary truce, echoing concerns that it would merely provide Kyiv with an opportunity to regroup and prevent military collapse. Britain and France have also proposed similar truces.
Minerals Deal
The Ukrainian leader has affirmed Kyiv’s readiness to finalize a minerals deal with the US. This agreement would establish a joint fund from the sale of Ukrainian minerals, which Washington considers crucial for maintaining continued US support.
European Support
Amidst uncertainties surrounding US support, Zelenskiyy has been actively encouraging European allies to increase their assistance. This push comes as Kyiv’s position on the battlefield weakens and faces growing pressure to withdraw from Russia’s Kursk region.
US to assess Ukraine’s peace stance in Saudi Arabia meeting
Regional Developments
Ukrainian troops, who entered the Kursk region last summer, are reportedly nearly encircled by Russian forces, according to open-source maps. Russia controls approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Russian troops are also advancing in the eastern Donetsk region, intensifying drone and missile strikes on cities and towns far from the front lines.
Recent Attacks
Zelenskiyy reported that Russia has launched 1,200 aerial guided bombs, nearly 870 attack drones, and over 80 missiles at Ukraine in the past week alone.