KYIV, March 8 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has reiterated his country’s dedication to engaging in meaningful discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia next week, with the goal of finding pathways toward ending the ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace and is prepared to negotiate realistic solutions to bring an end to hostilities.
The diplomatic engagement comes at a crucial moment, as relations between Ukraine and the U.S. have faced uncertainty following President Donald Trump’s recent policy shifts. Since taking office in January, Trump has temporarily halted U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and reduced intelligence-sharing efforts, citing concerns over Kyiv’s commitment to serious peace talks with Russia.
Ukraine’s Call for Swift and Effective Action
Zelenskiy took to social media to express Ukraine’s firm position on achieving peace. “Since the war began, Ukraine has consistently worked towards achieving a peaceful resolution. We have presented realistic proposals, and now the priority is to act swiftly and effectively,” he stated.
He further announced his plans to visit Saudi Arabia next week, where he is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Monday. Following this high-level discussion, Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will stay in the kingdom for additional meetings with a U.S. delegation on Tuesday.
“Ukraine is fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions that can lead to concrete decisions and actionable steps,” Zelenskiy affirmed.
Key Ukrainian and U.S. Officials to Participate
The Ukrainian delegation attending the discussions will include key figures such as Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Zelenskiy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. These officials are expected to present Ukraine’s perspective on ending the war and securing long-term stability in the region.
On the U.S. side, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has confirmed that Washington is actively engaged in conversations with Ukraine regarding a potential framework for ending the war. The meeting in Saudi Arabia is expected to provide an opportunity to explore possible diplomatic solutions.
Concerns Over Previous Exclusion from Peace Talks
The upcoming discussions carry particular significance for Ukraine, as Kyiv was notably left out of previous high-level negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials. In February, Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting where Washington and Moscow explored potential avenues for halting the conflict—without Ukrainian representation. This development raised concerns in Kyiv and among European allies, who questioned whether Ukraine’s interests were being adequately represented.
Zelenskiy has repeatedly stressed that any peace negotiations must involve Ukraine directly, as the country has borne the brunt of the war’s destruction and humanitarian crisis. Kyiv continues to push for international support to counter Russian aggression and reclaim its occupied territories.
Tense Meeting Between Trump and Zelenskiy
Diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Washington became evident during a high-profile meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy at the White House on February 28. The encounter, which was meant to strengthen ties and discuss pathways to peace, instead turned into a contentious exchange as the two leaders publicly disagreed over the approach to negotiations with Russia.
While Zelenskiy insisted that Ukraine had always been open to peace talks, Trump expressed skepticism, suggesting that Kyiv had not done enough to pursue a resolution. The confrontation highlighted the ongoing challenges in aligning U.S. and Ukrainian strategies regarding the war.
Ukraine’s Determination to Achieve a Just Peace
Despite the challenges, Zelenskiy remains determined to secure a diplomatic solution that aligns with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. His government continues to emphasize that any peace framework must include the full withdrawal of Russian forces and guarantees for Ukraine’s security.
As Ukraine prepares for discussions in Saudi Arabia, the world will be watching closely to see whether these talks yield tangible progress toward ending the war. With Kyiv reaffirming its commitment to diplomacy, the coming days could be pivotal in shaping the future of the conflict and Ukraine’s relationship with its Western allies.