Zelensky in Saudi Arabia: a key attempt for peace in Ukraine
- The United States seeks progress in the negotiations
- Minerals agreement: a possible economic way out
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, arrives in Saudi Arabia at a key moment for the war in his country. The Ukrainian president has landed in the Kingdom shortly before the start of negotiations between Ukrainian, Saudi and US officials, scheduled for Tuesday in the city of Jeddah on the shores of the Red Sea. The aim of these talks is to find a way out of the conflict with Russia, which has lasted for more than three years since the large-scale invasion in 2022.
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, personally received Zelensky, reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to the search for a peaceful solution. During the meeting, the Saudi leader expressed his support for international efforts to end the crisis and underlined his country's willingness to mediate in the conflict. Zelensky, for his part, thanked the Saudis for their support and praised their role in global diplomacy.
The United States seeks progress in the negotiations
Zelensky's arrival coincided with that of Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, who was also received by the Crown Prince. Washington has high expectations of these talks, hoping that significant progress will be made towards a possible peace agreement.
The White House envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about the meeting, indicating that there is a possibility of establishing an initial framework for a peace agreement and a ceasefire. ‘We believe there is room for significant progress,’ he said in an interview with Fox News.
However, Washington's position on the war has changed in recent weeks. The US administration has reduced military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, putting pressure on Kiev to consider a diplomatic solution.
For its part, Zelensky's government, under growing international pressure, has expressed its willingness to engage in pragmatic negotiations, although it insists that any agreement must guarantee Ukraine's sovereignty.
In the midst of this uncertainty over US support, Kiev has attempted to strengthen its alliances with Europe, urging its partners to increase their military and financial support. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate. On the eve of the talks, Russia launched a new wave of air strikes on several regions of Ukraine, including the capital.
One of the key points on the negotiating table is Zelensky's proposal to establish a truce in the air and at sea, as well as an exchange of prisoners, as proof of Russia's willingness to end the war. However, Moscow has rejected this proposal, arguing that it is a strategy to buy time and avoid a military collapse of Ukraine.
Minerals agreement: a possible economic way out
Another aspect to be discussed in Jeddah is the possibility of an agreement between Ukraine and the United States on the exploitation of strategic minerals. This agreement would allow for the creation of a joint fund financed by the sale of Ukrainian minerals, which would guarantee economic backing from Washington at a time when international support is beginning to falter.
Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains firm in his goal of achieving sustainable peace for his country. ‘We are fully committed to constructive dialogue and look forward to discussing and agreeing on the necessary steps,’ the president said in a message posted on his social media.
The talks in Saudi Arabia represent a turning point for the future of Ukraine. While the parties search for a viable solution, the war continues to devastate the country, with Russia controlling approximately a fifth of Ukrainian territory and with the intensity of its attacks increasing. What is agreed in Jeddah could determine the next chapter of the conflict and the path towards stability in the region.
