Zelenskyy to Meet US Officials in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ending War in Ukraine

Zelenskyy to Travel to Saudi Arabia for Talks with US on Ending War in Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss ending the war between Russia and Ukraine with US officials.

In his nightly address to citizens, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is "most interested in peace" and is working "exclusively constructively for a quick and reliable peace." This meeting marks a significant step towards thawing relations between Kyiv and Washington after a period of tension.

The meeting follows the explosive encounter between Zelenskyy and then-US President Donald Trump at the White House last week, where Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting America and "gambling with World War III." This led to the suspension of US military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.

In a letter to Trump after the White House meeting, Zelenskyy reportedly apologized and expressed gratitude for US aid. US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation will meet with US officials in Riyadh, hoping to "get things back on track."

Amidst the breakdown in relations, Zelenskyy held talks with European allies in London and wrote to Trump, emphasizing his desire for a peace agreement.

Focus now shifts to a proposed economic deal between the US and Ukraine, involving the extraction of rare earth minerals from Ukraine. Zelenskyy is also seeking a security guarantee to protect his country from further Russian aggression.

Other key issues in any peace agreement include the status of Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia and the deployment of peacekeeping troops from other countries.

At a summit in London, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed a "coalition of the willing" led by the UK, France, and other NATO countries to support Ukraine.