Zelensky arrives in Saudi Arabia ahead of talks with US delegation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 10 to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, marking the beginning of a key diplomatic visit.

The meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for further discussions involving the United States.

Zelensky had initially planned to visit Saudi Arabia earlier in February as part of a Middle East tour, but postponed the trip due to bilateral US-Russian talks in Riyadh on Feb. 18. Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have played a mediating role in efforts related to prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

After his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed, Zelensky’s team will remain in Saudi Arabia on March 11 for talks with US officials, including a potential framework for a peace agreement.

Zelensky himself will not participate in the negotiations, which will instead include Ukrainian officials such as Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa.

The discussions between US and Ukrainian delegates come after a tense confrontation between Zelensky, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance on Feb. 28, which resulted in the US halting military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.

Following the end of US support, Russian forces have intensified their attacks, launching ballistic missile strikes and attempting to encircle Ukrainian troops in the Russian region of Kursk.

On Tuesday, Andriy Yermak will lead the Ukrainian delegation in talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior White House officials, marking the first meeting since the tense Oval Office exchange.

Although Trump has claimed that his Ukraine policy aims for a lasting peace, his focus has been on pressuring Zelensky to agree to a deal that would benefit US access to Ukraine's mineral resources.

Zelensky, while not participating in Tuesday’s talks, expressed his commitment to constructive dialogue. He said in a post on X, “Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”

Україна прагне миру з найпершої секунди війни, і ми завжди говорили, що єдина причина, чому війна триває, – це Росія.

Дякую кожному нашому підрозділу, всім нашим бригадам, які захищають українські позиції, забезпечують знищення окупанта й роблять усе, щоб наша держава мала… pic.twitter.com/dCd7A8X9pr

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 10, 2025

Discussions are expected to focus on potential peace proposals, including a halt to drone and missile strikes and the suspension of military activity in the Black Sea. Zelensky has emphasized that any peace plan would test Russia's willingness to end the war. So far, President Vladimir Putin has shown little interest in a ceasefire.

Amid growing pressure on Ukrainian forces, Russia’s advances continue. Ukrainian border guards reported that Russian forces are attempting to create a fighting zone in the northeastern Sumy region, while also closing in on the Ukrainian-held Russian town of Sudzha. Despite mounting challenges, Ukrainian forces have successfully repelled multiple Russian assaults.

Meanwhile, US President Trump recently suggested that Ukraine may not survive the war against Russia even with continued US support. In a Fox News interview, Trump defended his decision to cut military aid, stating, “It may not survive anyway,” while also criticizing Zelensky for his handling of US funds.

Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia, however, signal continued determination to secure international support and explore potential peace solutions for the ongoing conflict with Russia.