Ukrainian and US officials hold critical peace talks in Jeddah

Ukrainian and US officials are intensifying efforts to bring an end to the war with Russia, with crucial talks underway in Jeddah, reports The National on March 11th.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in supporting peace efforts.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed that Zelensky recently met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, where the discussions centred on achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine.

During the meeting, the Crown Prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis in Ukraine.

A statement released by the Saudi Foreign Ministry highlighted the Kingdom’s ‘keenness and support for all international efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis and achieve peace’.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Saudi Arabia has played host to talks involving Moscow and Washington seeking to mediate and ease tensions.

The Kingdom’s diplomatic efforts have positioned it as a key player in the pursuit of peace in the region.

In a post on social media platform X, President Zelenskyy praised Saudi Arabia’s willingness to deepen economic cooperation and invest in Ukraine.

He further emphasised: “We are ready to collaborate and are confident that stronger ties between our nations and regions will benefit our people and the world.”

The first round of discussions, scheduled for March 11 in Saudi Arabia, is expected to focus on a bilateral minerals deal between the US and Ukraine.

In addition, strategies to bring an end to the conflict will be explored, according to The National.

This meeting marks the first official gathering between US and Ukrainian officials since President Zelenskyy’s widely publicised encounter with US President Donald Trump last month.

In another significant development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 10 in Jeddah.

Rubio expressed gratitude to the Crown Prince for ‘hosting the  US in talks to help resolve the Ukrainian war and secure a lasting peace’.

Although President Zelenskyy has since departed from Saudi Arabia, reports indicate that he will avoid direct confrontation with Secretary Rubio.

His diplomatic team is reportedly working towards improving relations and ease tensions, according to Sky News.

These three days of discussion are detrimental in Ukrainian-US relations intensifying efforts for peace.

The National, Sky News