Zelensky heads to KSA ahead of crucial US meeting on Ukraine war
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Ukraine's Zelensky is set to meet with Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman before his delegation convenes with American officials.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky answers media questions during his press conference, in Kiev, Ukraine, on Sunday, February 23, 2025. (AP)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, ahead of an important meeting with US officials for talks regarding ending the war with Russia.
Mohammed bin Salman has played a key role in mediating the Ukrainian-Russian conflict since its start in 2022, particularly in liaising captive exchanges and organizing last month's negotiations between Russia and the United States.
This comes as relations between the US and Ukraine witness a dramatic downturn, with Washington cutting off military aid and intelligence sharing with Kiev. The notorious debacle at the White House left Zelensky humiliated and militarily abandoned by his primary ally and US counterpart Donald Trump.
However, Tuesday's meeting with US officials will focus on key issues, such as the joint minerals deal and how to end the war in Ukraine. Although Zelensky has been rallying to restore US support, he is expected to miss the meeting. The Ukrainian delegation will feature his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and a senior military official in the presidential administration.
"On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps," Zelensky said in a post on X, adding that "realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively."
Initiating a framework for a 'peace agreement'
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is overseeing the talks, said the goal is to establish a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.
Zelensky has proposed a temporary truce in the air and at sea, along with a prisoner exchange, as a test of Russia’s willingness to negotiate an end to the war.
However, Moscow has dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire—an initiative also backed by Britain and France—arguing that it would only serve to buy Kiev time and delay its military collapse.
The Ukrainian leader has also signaled readiness to sign a minerals agreement with Washington, which would create a joint fund from the sale of Ukrainian minerals—something the US sees as crucial for maintaining its support.
With American backing in doubt, Zelensky has been pressing European allies to increase their support, as Ukraine's battlefield situation deteriorates and its forces face growing pressure to retreat from Russia’s Kursk region.
Around 10,000 Ukrainian army members are at risk of being encircled in Russia's Kursk Region, The Telegraph newspaper has revealed.
According to the publication, Russian soldiers burst through the front line and moved from two sides toward a major supply corridor, putting Ukrainian forces at risk of being encircled. Consequently, an unidentified Ukrainian soldier told the publication that the Ukrainian command is considering withdrawing from the Kursk region to avoid more losses.
Russia's Sever (North) group of forces has seized control of the settlement of Lebedevka in the Kursk Region and Novenkoye (Novenke) in the region of Sumy, the Russian Defense Ministry announced on Sunday.
Read more: Kiev keen on working with US, ready for minerals deal: Prime Minister
