Ukrainian President Zelensky visited Saudi Arabia seeking support after a tense meeting with President Trump. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged Saudi Arabia’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine crisis. As the US reassesses its support, Zelensky pursues pragmatic ties while addressing military challenges and preparing for critical negotiations with Ukraine and US officials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently visited Saudi Arabia to seek support following a contentious meeting with US President Donald Trump. During the visit, Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to assist in resolving the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and attaining peace. This meeting occurred just prior to critical discussions between Ukrainian and US officials after a significant disruption in discussions regarding a minerals resources agreement between the United States and Ukraine.

Crown Prince bin Salman reiterated Saudi Arabia’s enduring support for global initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, especially as the United States reassesses its position, emphasizing a prompt end to hostilities through direct engagement with Moscow and a reduction in military assistance for Ukraine. In light of this shift, Zelensky’s administration has been pursuing more pragmatic relations with Washington in the aftermath of the Oval Office confrontation, wherein President Trump and Vice President JD Vance expressed criticism towards Zelensky, marking a rare instance of a sitting US president criticizing a visiting head of state.

During the meeting, Zelensky conveyed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering stability in the Middle East, while the kingdom has continued its mediating efforts since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in facilitating prisoner exchanges and hosting peace discussions, and the forthcoming meeting between US and Ukrainian representatives is significant as it follows the tumultuous exchange that took place in Washington.

Steve Witkoff, serving as Trump’s envoy to West Asia, expressed a hopeful outlook on the potential for a progress on discussions, including the possibility of a minerals deal between Washington and Kyiv. He noted Zelensky’s subsequent apology to Trump following the discordant meeting. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has adopted a more cautious approach, suggesting that while conversation on the minerals agreement persists, the success of negotiations relies on more fundamental issues than simply signing a deal.

As Zelensky contemplates his next moves, he is working to demonstrate Ukraine’s earnestness in pursuing a swift resolution to the conflict, although the nation has not secured essential US security guarantees for a sustainable peace agreement. Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to productive dialogue, urging the need for timely and effective resolutions and expressing readiness for realistic proposals. Notably, he designated his chief of staff and key ministers to represent Ukraine in the upcoming talks, indicating a focus on strategic decision-making.

In light of ongoing tensions, US officials are assessing Ukraine’s willingness to make meaningful concessions for peace, scrutinizing whether Ukraine seeks a genuine settlement. Trump highlighted his optimistic forecast for the forthcoming negotiations, suggesting that the suspension of intelligence sharing with Kyiv is nearing its conclusion. With Russia escalating its attacks, including targeted strikes on Kyiv, negotiations aim to establish foundations for a ceasefire and peace agreement, although the Kremlin has dismissed proposals for temporary truces, viewing them as delaying tactics.

As support from the US appears to be diminishing, Zelensky is actively working to garner backing from European allies, as Ukraine’s military status comes under pressure, particularly in the Kursk region where Russia maintains control of substantial Ukrainian territories and has increased its aerial bombardments.

In summation, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s engagement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscores Ukraine’s need for international support amidst shifting dynamics with the US. Following a contentious meeting with President Trump, Zelensky seeks to establish pragmatic relations with the US while addressing ongoing military and diplomatic challenges. As Russia intensifies its attacks, the success of upcoming negotiations may hinge on Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions, highlighting the broader complexities in securing peace in the region.

Original Source: presstv.ir

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