Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia on March 10 to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ahead of crucial US-Ukrainian talks on March 11 in Jeddah. These discussions aim to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy will not attend the talks but will send a delegation as pressure mounts for a ceasefire amid rising Russian military actions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Riyadh on March 10 for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit precedes pivotal discussions between Ukrainian and US representatives taking place the next day in Jeddah, focused on bringing an end to Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine. The United States, a primary military supporter of Ukraine, is attempting to expedite the conclusion of the conflict while engaging in direct negotiations with Russia and currently withholding military assistance to Ukraine.
The US-Ukrainian meetings on March 11 will mark the first formal engagement since an incident that occurred in the Oval Office on February 28, where President Zelenskyy, along with US President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, experienced a disagreement that reportedly led to adverse remarks directed at him. Notably, Zelenskyy has indicated that he will not attend these talks; however, Ukraine’s delegation will comprise Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The US delegation is expected to include key figures such as Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, with Rubio having departed for Saudi Arabia shortly before the meeting. In a recent post on X, Zelenskyy expressed commitment to a constructive dialogue, stating, “On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”
Zelenskyy is likely to present a peace proposal, which includes a ceasefire in air and sea operations as an initial measure. There is significant pressure from Washington for Ukraine to expedite a ceasefire with Russia, although no security guarantee from the US has been assured. Concurrently, Russia has intensified its military actions in Ukraine, achieving certain advancements on the battlefield.
On March 9, Trump remarked on the precarious situation of Ukraine, suggesting in an interview with Fox News that the nation might not endure the conflict with Russia, asserting, “Well, it may not survive anyway.” Trump further criticized Zelenskyy’s alleged lack of gratitude towards US support, although he acknowledged his intelligence and resilience. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported the recapture of numerous towns in its Kursk area and claims of gaining new territories in eastern Ukraine, alongside unverified reports of thousands of Ukrainian troops potentially being encircled by Russian forces.
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores the urgency of the discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With a significant delegation poised to engage with US officials, the focus is on formulating viable proposals for peace amidst increasing pressures and military actions from Russia. The geopolitical dynamics remain complex, influenced by both domestic and international factors affecting Ukraine’s stance in this critical moment.
Original Source: www.rferl.org
