Zelenskiy Meets Saudi Crown Prince Amid Ukraine-U.S. Peace Talks Shift

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah ahead of crucial U.S.-Ukraine talks aimed at advancing peace efforts in the Russia-Ukraine war. The Saudi leader reaffirmed support for international peace initiatives, according to Saudi state media.

The United States, once Ukraine’s strongest ally, has altered its stance, seeking a swift resolution to the war by engaging with Moscow while pausing military aid and intelligence sharing. Amid this shift, Ukraine is working to maintain pragmatic relations with Washington, following a tense Oval Office meeting between Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump.

The upcoming U.S.-Ukraine discussions, the first since that meeting, are expected to gauge Kyiv’s willingness to make concessions. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism, hinting at progress in peace negotiations and a potential minerals deal. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was more cautious, emphasizing that key details remain unresolved.

Zelenskiy, under pressure from Trump, has signaled Kyiv’s commitment to ending the war but insists on security guarantees. He will not attend Tuesday’s talks, delegating top officials instead. Meanwhile, Russia escalated its attacks on Ukraine, launching airstrikes ahead of the negotiations.

The U.S. aims to establish a framework for peace, potentially including a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. While Kyiv supports a temporary truce, Moscow has dismissed the idea, viewing it as a delay tactic. Zelenskiy remains eager to finalize the minerals deal with the U.S., seen as vital for continued American backing.

With Washington’s support in question, Ukraine is urging European allies to bolster aid as battlefield conditions worsen. Russia continues to hold significant Ukrainian territory and intensifies missile strikes, posing a major challenge for Kyiv’s defense efforts.