President Zelenskiy is visiting Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before critical U.S.-Ukraine talks aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. Discussions will focus on a minerals deal and strategies for peace, amidst changing U.S. policies and increasing military pressures from Russia. Zelenskiy is urging European allies to enhance their support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is traveling to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prior to crucial negotiations with U.S. officials regarding the ongoing war with Russia. The U.S. has recently altered its wartime policies, emphasizing a quicker resolution, which includes direct engagement with Moscow and a reduction in military assistance to Ukraine.
During his visit, Zelenskiy is set to discuss various mediating roles that Saudi Arabia has undertaken since Russia’s invasion in 2022, such as facilitating prisoner exchanges and previous talks between Russia and the U.S. Following this meeting, U.S. and Ukrainian officials will convene to deliberate on a bilateral minerals agreement and strategies to conclude the conflict.
The upcoming discussions are significant, marking the first formal talks since an earlier contentious meeting between Zelenskiy and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Zelenskiy, facing immense pressure for a swift conclusion to the war, emphasized unity with the U.S., despite concerns over the lack of security assurances that Ukraine believes are essential for a successful peace agreement.
Zelenskiy has opted not to attend the U.S. talks personally; instead, his delegation will include key advisors such as his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and a top military figure. Zelenskiy expressed a commitment to 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.”
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has indicated that the engagement aims to establish a framework for peace and a preliminary ceasefire. Zelenskiy has called for a truce in the air and at sea, along with prisoner exchanges as a measure of Russia’s commitment to peace, although Russia has rejected any notion of a temporary ceasefire.
Furthermore, Zelenskiy expressed readiness to formalize a minerals deal that would create a joint fund, which Washington regards as critical for continued American support. As Ukraine’s territorial situation in regions such as Kursk deteriorates, Zelenskiy is urging European nations to increase their backing amid intensifying military pressures from Russia, which currently occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine’s land, including Crimea.
In summary, President Zelenskiy’s visit to Saudi Arabia is a vital diplomatic effort ahead of crucial U.S.-Ukraine talks aimed at resolving the war with Russia. The discussions will focus on establishing a peace framework and addressing economic cooperation through a minerals deal. With the evolving dynamics of U.S. support and increasing military pressures from Russia, Zelenskiy is emphasizing the need for robust European backing as Ukraine’s battlefield position remains precarious.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
