President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to improve relations with the United States and negotiate an end to the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, ahead of discussions between Ukrainian and American officials planned for Tuesday.
Crown Prince Mohammed, who has been working to enhance Saudi Arabia's role in global diplomacy, has previously facilitated negotiations related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including a significant U.S.-Russia prisoner exchange last year. The crown prince's reputation has evolved despite past accusations of human rights abuses, which he denies.
Mr. Zelensky had previously postponed a trip to Saudi Arabia following a meeting involving U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, where they discussed resetting U.S.-Russia relations without Ukrainian participation. However, he announced on social media that he would proceed with the visit, emphasizing his commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace.
In his statement, Mr. Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's ongoing quest for peace since the onset of the conflict three years ago, asserting that realistic proposals are available and that prompt action is crucial. Although he will not be attending the U.S. talks, a Ukrainian delegation will participate, including key government officials.
Amid pressure from the Trump administration to finalize a peace deal, Mr. Zelensky has adjusted his approach following criticisms regarding Ukraine's gratitude for U.S. support. Mr. Trump has suggested that Ukraine should accept terms set by the U.S., given Russia's military strength, while reports indicate that Ukraine's battlefield position may be improving.
Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from the Trump administration, noted that Mr. Zelensky's conciliatory stance has enhanced Ukraine's standing with U.S. officials, even as military support from the U.S. has been paused. The Ukrainian president expressed a commitment to constructive dialogue during his visit to Saudi Arabia, aiming to reach necessary agreements.
Mr. Rubio is expected to engage with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah from Monday through Wednesday and will also meet with Crown Prince Mohammed. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump's stance on the conflict has shown some inconsistency, as he has proposed imposing significant sanctions on Russia while simultaneously stating that discussions with Russia are progressing.
For Crown Prince Mohammed, mediating in the conflict presents an opportunity to extend his influence beyond the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has maintained a neutral stance in the war and recently hosted a peace conference that included representatives from over 40 nations, which Ukraine described as productive, despite Russia's absence and subsequent dismissal of the event.