Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, ahead of critical talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials. The discussions come at a precarious moment for Kyiv, as Ukraine grapples with mounting battlefield challenges and shifting international alliances in its war with Russia.
Changing U.S. Approach to Ukraine
Once Ukraine’s primary ally, the United States has recently altered its wartime stance, cutting off military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kyiv while engaging directly with Moscow in pursuit of a rapid end to the war. This shift has placed immense pressure on Zelenskyy, who is keen to align with U.S. officials while advocating for continued support.
Saudi Arabia’s Role as Mediator
Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in diplomatic efforts since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The kingdom has brokered prisoner exchanges and facilitated discussions between Russia and the United States, most recently hosting talks between the two countries last month.
Key U.S.-Ukraine Talks Set for Tuesday
On Tuesday, U.S. and Ukrainian officials will convene for their first formal meeting since a tense Oval Office encounter between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump. The discussions are expected to center on a bilateral minerals deal and possible pathways to ending the war. Despite intense pressure from Trump, who seeks a swift resolution, Zelenskyy has struggled to secure concrete U.S. security guarantees, which Kyiv considers vital for any lasting peace agreement.
Zelenskyy‘s Stance and Delegation
While Zelenskyy will not personally attend the U.S. talks, he has emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to a constructive dialogue. The Ukrainian delegation will include his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and a top military official.
“On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps,” Zelenskyy stated on X (formerly Twitter).
“Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”
Framework for a Ceasefire and Peace Agreement
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been spearheading the talks, aiming to establish a framework for a ceasefire and an initial peace agreement.
Zelenskyy has proposed a temporary truce in air and sea operations, along with a prisoner exchange, as a way to assess Russia’s commitment to ending the conflict. However, Moscow has rejected the idea, labeling it a strategic move designed to buy time for Ukraine and prevent its military collapse. Britain and France have also supported the ceasefire proposal, but Russia continues its offensive operations.
U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal and European Support
Ukraine is prepared to sign a minerals deal with the U.S., establishing a joint fund from the sale of Ukrainian minerals. Washington views this agreement as crucial for securing continued U.S. support, despite waning political backing in some circles.
With U.S. assistance in doubt, Zelenskyy is urging European allies to increase their military and financial support as Ukraine faces growing pressure on the battlefield. Russian forces are pressing Ukraine’s defensive positions, particularly in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops are nearly surrounded.
Escalating Russian Attacks
Russia currently occupies around 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. The situation has deteriorated in the Donetsk region, where Russian forces have escalated their military campaign, targeting Ukrainian positions with drone and missile strikes.
Zelenskyy reported that, in the past week alone, Russia launched:
- 1,200 aerial guided bombs
- 870 attack drones
- Over 80 missiles
What Lies Ahead?
With Ukraine’s military situation becoming increasingly dire and diplomatic tensions rising, Zelenskyy‘s meetings in Saudi Arabia and the upcoming U.S.-Ukraine talks could prove pivotal. As Kyiv struggles to maintain international backing and negotiate a viable end to the war, the next steps taken by global powers—including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and European allies—may shape Ukraine’s future on the world stage.
