Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia for crucial discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. officials. 

The talks will center on securing peace with Russia and advancing a bilateral minerals agreement with Washington.

Saudi state media confirmed Zelenskyy’s arrival in Jeddah, the host city for Tuesday’s Ukraine-U.S. summit. Before that, he is set to meet the crown prince on Monday, with Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov scheduled to join discussions with American diplomats the following day.

“Ukraine has pursued peace since the war’s first moment. The only reason it persists is Russia’s actions,” Zelenskyy stated on social media ahead of his visit.

Shortly after his arrival, U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio also landed in Jeddah, leading a delegation that includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. 

Rubio emphasized the importance of confirming Ukraine’s commitment to making difficult compromises for a peace resolution.

Tensions between Kyiv and Washington have escalated since a contentious February 28 meeting between Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump led to the U.S. suspending military aid and limiting intelligence-sharing. 

Reports from Kyiv suggest Zelenskyy may propose a partial ceasefire, potentially halting hostilities in the air and at sea, in an effort to ease U.S. pressure.

Analysts believe such a move could shift the burden onto Moscow, forcing Russia to respond to a peace overture it has so far resisted. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, however, dismissed expectations for the Saudi-hosted talks, stating that Ukraine must ultimately decide whether it truly seeks peace.

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 0927 HRS, MAR 11, 2025
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