Saudi Crown Prince, Ukrainian President meet to discuss Russia-Ukraine conflict
Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah for discussions focused on the Russia-Ukraine crisis and bilateral relations.
During the official session, the Crown Prince expressed Saudi Arabia's support for international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and achieving peace.The kingdom has played a significant mediating role since Russia's 2022 invasion, including hosting recent Moscow-Washington discussions.
The scheduled talks on Tuesday represent the first official meeting between US and Ukrainian officials since a contentious White House encounter between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump last month. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed confidence ahead of the discussions.
'We're going over there with an expectation that we're going to make substantial progress,' Witkoff told Fox News. The envoy indicated the talks would focus on establishing 'a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a more measured tone, emphasising the importance of determining Kyiv's willingness to make concessions. 'We want to see if the Ukrainians are interested not just in peace, but in a realistic peace,' one unnamed US official told Reuters.
Zelenskyy confirmed he would not personally attend Tuesday's talks, instead sending a delegation including his chief of staff, foreign and defence ministers. 'On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue,' the Ukrainian president wrote on X. 'Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.'
President Zelenskyy thanked Saudi Arabia for its efforts and highlighted the Kingdom's role in promoting peace.
I had a good meeting with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman. I am grateful for his wise perspective on global affairs and support for Ukraine. It was especially important to hear words of confidence in Ukraine's future.
We discussed all key issues on the… pic.twitter.com/BiBnaKViPl
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 10, 2025
Ukraine has proposed a limited truce in the air and at sea, along with prisoner exchanges, which Zelenskyy suggests could test Russia's commitment to ending hostilities. Moscow has rejected temporary ceasefire proposals, characterising them as attempts to prevent Ukraine's military collapse.
The discussions come amidst a deteriorating battlefield situation for Ukraine, with Russia controlling approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched 1,200 aerial guided bombs, nearly 870 attack drones and over 80 missiles at Ukraine in the past week alone.
President Trump claimed on Sunday that Washington had 'just about' ended a suspension of intelligence sharing with Kyiv, with Rubio confirming Ukraine continues to receive US defensive intelligence.
A potential minerals deal between the US and Ukraine remains under discussion, which would establish a joint fund from Ukrainian mineral sales—described by Washington as crucial for securing continued American support.
As European allies face pressure to increase their assistance, the outcome of Tuesday's talks may determine the future trajectory of both US-Ukraine relations and the broader conflict with Russia.
Saudi-Ukrainian talks begin
The Ukrainian President was accorded an official reception upon arrival. The Crown Prince welcomed him to Saudi Arabia, while Zelenskyy expressed his happiness to visit the Kingdom and meet the Crown Prince.
HRH the Crown Prince Receives Ukrainian President, Holds Official Talks. https://t.co/nuidKTXtb3 #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/3LQOYe3ekL
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) March 11, 2025
The Saudi delegation included Deputy Emir of Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Saudi Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Prince Turki bin Mohammed, Minister of the National Guard Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of State, Member of the Cabinet and National Security Advisor Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of Commerce Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi, Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, and Saudi Ambassador to Ukraine Mohammed Al-Barakah.
The Ukrainian delegation consisted of Head of the Office of the President Andrii Yermak, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food Vitalii Koval, President's Advisor for Strategic Issues Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukrainian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anatolii Petrenko, and Advisor to the President of Ukraine Dmytro Lytvyn.
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