DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Saudi Arabia is set to host crucial talks between the United States and Ukraine on Tuesday following a heated confrontation during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on February 28. The venue, Riyadh, might seem unconventional, yet under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a potential neutral ground for significant diplomatic discussions, including peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.
The need for these talks arises from the fallout of the White House meeting between Zelenskyy, former U.S. President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance, which deteriorated into a ten-minute argument that was broadcast in front of journalists. During the exchange, Trump admonished Zelenskyy, stating, "You’re gambling with World War III," and criticized his actions as disrespectful to the United States. As a result, Zelenskyy departed without signing a critical agreement that aimed to provide the U.S. with access to Ukraine's valuable rare earth minerals, an arrangement that Ukraine hoped would secure ongoing U.S. military assistance essential to its defense against Russian aggression that escalated following Moscow's full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The talks will take place in Jeddah, a significant port city along the Red Sea, rather than Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's capital. It remains unclear why Jeddah was chosen, yet the city has a history of hosting diplomatic events and features royal palaces which may add to its appeal for high-level discussions. The Saudi Foreign Ministry affirmed its commitment to seek a lasting peace to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and highlighted the kingdom's efforts over the past three years in hosting various related meetings.
President Zelenskyy plans to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday, having previously postponed his trip after visiting the neighboring United Arab Emirates, another location considered for peace negotiations with Russia. Zelenskyy articulated his ongoing efforts to collaborate with partners who seek peace, emphasizing the importance of the forthcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia to advance security foundations and medical support.
Zelenskyy will be accompanied by his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov during the talks. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation and is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Prior to the talks, Sybiha and Rubio had a constructive conversation, with Rubio stressing Trump’s determination to end the war swiftly while ensuring that all parties take necessary steps to secure sustainable peace.
The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue for these discussions reflects Crown Prince Mohammed’s recent initiatives to solidify the kingdom's role in international diplomacy. Following a controversial reputation resulting from the 2018 assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Mohammed has shifted toward a more conciliatory approach, fostering relations with Iran and engaging in peace efforts surrounding conflicts in Sudan and Gaza. Hosting U.S.-Russia dialogue not only enhances Saudi Arabia’s status but also aligns with its aspiration to be recognized as a leader in the Sunni Muslim world and a significant Middle Eastern player.
The outcomes of the upcoming talks could greatly influence the trajectory of the Ukraine conflict. Trump's administration appears focused on negotiating some form of peace deal, yet his approach has included restricting military aid and intelligence support for Ukraine while expressing a willingness to initiate new sanctions against Russia based on its continual aggression. Any understanding reached between Ukraine and the U.S. has the potential to expedite the administration's push for negotiations, although skepticism looms in Europe, which may feel sidelined in these discussions.
