KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Saudi Arabia to prepare for a potential visit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This development occurs amidst increasing speculation about upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in the kingdom aimed at ending Moscow’s war on Ukraine.
The visit coincides with the announcement by a top U.S. envoy that he, along with another negotiator appointed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, will be traveling to Saudi Arabia. The purpose of their trip is to facilitate high-level discussions regarding a negotiated settlement to the ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who also serves as the first deputy prime minister, emphasized the delegation’s focus on enhancing economic ties. According to a Facebook post by Svyrydenko, Kyiv is preparing to sign significant economic agreements with countries in the region. However, she did not clarify whether Zelenskyy’s visit is linked to the anticipated U.S.-Russia talks.
No specific details were provided about the timing of Zelenskyy’s potential visit or the individuals he might meet in Saudi Arabia.
Andriy Yermak, a top adviser to Zelenskyy, stated that there is no immediate prospect of direct meetings between Ukrainian and Russian representatives. In a Telegram post, Yermak mentioned that Ukraine is not planning to meet with Russia until a comprehensive plan is developed to end the war and achieve a "just peace."
Similarly, Mykhailo Podolyak, another adviser to Zelenskyy, denied Ukraine's involvement in any planned U.S.-Russia meetings in Saudi Arabia, stating on Ukrainian television that "there is nothing on the negotiating table worth discussing."
Yulia Svyrydenko’s comments followed an announcement by Steve Witkoff, a close ally of Trump and special envoy to the Middle East, regarding imminent high-level meetings in Saudi Arabia. Speaking on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” program, Witkoff revealed that he and national security adviser Mike Waltz would conduct meetings at the president's direction, aiming to make progress in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
While Witkoff did not specify the meeting participants or agenda, he confirmed his departure for Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening. Following a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump expressed an agreement to initiate negotiations promptly, appointing Witkoff and Waltz to lead these efforts alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Trump’s announcement has caused significant diplomatic upheaval, potentially marking a pivotal moment for Ukraine and Europe. However, President Zelenskyy has expressed that he will not accept any negotiations about Ukraine that exclude his country. European governments have also insisted on participating in the talks.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Putin has faced ostracization from the West. In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader.
When questioned about whether Ukraine might have to cede a "significant portion" of its territory as part of a negotiated settlement, Witkoff emphasized the importance of trust-building and ending the war, as directed by the president, without directly addressing the territorial concerns.
