Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia: U.S. Summit, Ukraine-Russia Peace

On March 10, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy landed in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict with Russia. His visit comes ahead of crucial talks with U.S. officials, scheduled for March 11 in Jeddah, a coastal city along the Red Sea. These discussions are aimed at making substantial progress toward ending Russia's war with Ukraine.

Background of the Visit

President Zelenskyy's trip to Saudi Arabia was initially part of a broader Middle East tour planned for February. However, it was delayed due to bilateral U.S.-Russian talks in Riyadh on February 184. The visit is particularly significant as it follows a contentious meeting between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on February 28. This meeting resulted in the suspension of U.S. military assistance to Ukraine, adding tension to the U.S.-Ukraine relationship.

Meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

During his visit, Zelenskyy met with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders discussed various topics, including Saudi Arabia's potential role as a mediator in the release of prisoners and the return of deported children. They also explored prospects for strengthening cooperation in these areas.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the continued dialogue and the invitation to visit Saudi Arabia, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. He emphasized Ukraine's commitment to achieving peace as soon as possible through constructive dialogue.

U.S.-Ukraine Talks

The U.S.-Ukraine summit in Jeddah is expected to focus on several key issues:

Ending the Conflict with Russia: The talks aim to make progress toward ending Russia's war with Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized the need for both Ukraine and Russia to be willing to take difficult steps to achieve peace.
Minerals Agreement: The U.S. hopes to sign a deal on critical minerals, which was previously delayed due to tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump. This agreement could involve U.S. rights to Ukraine's untapped mineral resources.
Restoration of U.S. Aid: Ukraine is seeking the restoration of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing, which were paused following the contentious meeting in Washington.

Challenges and Opportunities

The path to peace is fraught with challenges. Russia has shown reluctance toward any form of ceasefire, and Ukraine faces pressure from the U.S. to demonstrate its commitment to peace talks. However, if Zelenskyy navigates these discussions effectively, he could shift the focus onto Russia, challenging them to reciprocate with similar gestures.

International Support

The international community is watching these developments closely. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed support for a positive outcome from the talks, hoping it would enable the restart of U.S. aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Conclusion

Zelenskyy's visit to Saudi Arabia marks a crucial step in the pursuit of peace for Ukraine. With the support of international partners and the facilitation of Saudi Arabia, there is a glimmer of hope for resolving the conflict with Russia. The success of these talks will depend on the willingness of all parties involved to engage in meaningful dialogue and make difficult decisions.

As the world waits for the outcome of these discussions, one thing is clear: the path to peace is complex, but with determination and cooperation, it is achievable. The coming days will reveal whether these efforts will lead to significant progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies