Saudi Arabia Welcomes Upcoming U.S.-Ukraine Meeting in Jeddah to Advance Peace Efforts
Jeddah, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia has welcomed the planned meeting between the United States and Ukraine in Jeddah next week, underscoring its commitment to ongoing international efforts aimed at establishing a peace framework to end hostilities between Ukraine and Russia.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to facilitating dialogue and diplomatic initiatives that contribute to lasting peace in Ukraine. Over the past three years, Saudi Arabia has played a key role in hosting discussions focused on resolving the conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed on Thursday that preparations are underway to coordinate the meeting with Ukrainian officials. Speaking at the White House, Witkoff stated that the gathering is expected to be held in either Riyadh or Jeddah as part of broader negotiations aimed at developing a peace agreement and securing an initial ceasefire.
“We’re now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians,” Witkoff told reporters, emphasizing that the objective is to draft a foundation for a sustainable peace deal between Ukraine and Russia.
In a related development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that he plans to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
“Next week, on Monday, my visit to Saudi Arabia is planned to meet the Crown Prince,” Zelensky said in a statement posted on his X account. “After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners.”
This diplomatic engagement follows a recent exchange between Trump and Zelensky at the White House on February 28. Despite previous tensions, both sides have resumed negotiations, including discussions on a revenue-sharing agreement related to Ukraine’s mineral resources.
During his address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday, Trump revealed that Zelensky had sent him a letter expressing readiness to engage in peace talks.
“I have received a letter from Zelensky in which he stated he is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible,” Trump stated.
The upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia mark a significant step in international efforts to mediate peace and de-escalate the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
