Ukraine is preparing for President Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, aiming to strengthen investments and cooperation. High-level U.S. officials will engage in talks with Russian representatives, although Ukraine will not participate. Zelensky has confirmed he will not meet with Russian or U.S. officials during his travels, emphasizing the need for suitable negotiation conditions that are currently lacking.
On February 16, delegations from Saudi Arabia and Ukraine convened to enhance investments and bilateral relations as President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia approaches. Concurrently, senior U.S. officials are set to engage with unspecified Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia, though Ukraine will not participate in these discussions.
The Ukrainian delegation is coordinating with local officials for President Zelensky’s visit, during which he is expected to formalize economic agreements with multiple nations in the region, as stated by First Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. She expressed optimism regarding potential investments from Middle Eastern countries, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, energy, and agribusiness, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s expertise in fertilizer production.
In remarks to reporters at the Munich Security Conference, President Zelensky confirmed his plans to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, asserting he would not meet with any Russian or U.S. delegations during this trip. He emphasized, “I will not meet with Russians, but then I will not meet with Americans there.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff are scheduled for discussions with Russian officials in the coming days; however, the identities of these Russian representatives remain undisclosed. Mr. Rubio described these talks as preliminary, noting that meaningful negotiations to resolve the conflict would involve Ukraine and European partners.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced intentions to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to promote a ceasefire agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. Ukrainian officials have since refuted claims that their delegation would engage in the U.S.-Russian discussions in Riyadh, with Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, asserting that there are no viable negotiation terms at present: “Russia is not ready for negotiations.”
The discussions between Saudi Arabia and Ukraine signify an important step towards deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in economic sectors of mutual interest. As President Zelensky prepares for his visit, he aims to secure investments while maintaining Ukraine’s positioning regarding negotiations with Russia. The involvement of U.S. officials in separate talks underscores the ongoing complexities of the geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
