“We hope for a practical result”: Zelensky meets with Saudi Arabia’s prince

On March 10, on the eve of negotiations between the Ukrainian and American delegations, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud.

The Office of the President reported this.

As is known, Zelensky arrived in Jeddah, where the meeting took place. The president was met at the airport by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Saudi Arabia, Anatolii Petrenko.

By this time, the visit of the head of state of Ukraine has already ended. Zelensky's negotiations with bin Salman were expected to concern the security situation, military assistance and peace initiatives.

In a subsequent statement, Ukraine's president outlined the outcomes of the meeting, expressing gratitude to the Saudi Arabian leader for his astute perspective on global affairs and unwavering support for Ukraine. The president emphasized the significance of receiving assurances of confidence in Ukraine's future, highlighting the importance of such diplomatic endorsements.

With the Crown Prince, Zelensky discussed all the main issues on the agenda—both bilaterally and with other partners. The President noted Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud's efforts, which help bring real peace closer—Saudi Arabia provides an essential platform for diplomacy.

^{Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine}

"We discussed with Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud the steps and conditions that could end the war and make peace reliable and lasting. He particularly emphasized the issue of releasing prisoners and returning children, which could be one of the key measures to establish trust in diplomatic efforts. A significant part of the conversation was devoted to the formats of security guarantees," Zelensky wrote.

He added that the Ukrainian team remains in Jeddah to work with the American team on March 11.

"We hope for a practical result. The Ukrainian position at the meeting will be constructive," the guarantor emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelensky noted this country's efforts to find ways to achieve a just and lasting peace, in particular, organizing a meeting of the delegations of Ukraine and the United States on March 11. The president stressed that Ukraine wants to achieve peace as soon as possible and is committed to constructive dialogue.

At the meeting, Volodymyr Zelensky and Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud, in particular, discussed the possible mediation of Saudi Arabia in the release of military and civilian prisoners and the return of deported children, as well as prospects for strengthening work in this direction.

The leaders exchanged views on the formats of security guarantees and what they should be for Ukraine so that war does not return again. Global and regional security challenges became a separate topic of the negotiations.

Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about Ukraine's intentions to continue building up its defense production to strengthen the state and possible joint projects in this area.

The president also said that with the Crown Prince they discussed key sectors for investment, starting with security, energy and infrastructure, as well as opportunities for economic development and interaction through reconstruction in Ukraine.

"The Crown Prince spoke about the ambitious economic strategy of Saudi Arabia, and we wish our partners success. We are ready to cooperate. We are confident that the interaction between our countries and regions adds strength to both our peoples and the whole world," the president noted.

For reference:

On March 11, Ukraine's and the United States' delegations will meet to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

Reports indicate that the United States delegation will include Steve Witkoff, Special Representative for the Middle East, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor to the President Mike Waltz. 

Ukraine will be represented by Andrii Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office; Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha; Minister of Defense Rustem Umierov; and Advisor Pavlo Palisa.

It was reported in Saudi Arabia that the teams of Ukraine and the United States will meet in Jeddah.

It is worth adding that Ukraine will try to convince the United States to resume providing intelligence and military support during the talks in Saudi Arabia and prove that the head of state, Volodymyr Zelensky, seeks a quick end to the war with Russia. At the same time, US President Donald Trump stated that he expects positive results from the upcoming negotiations with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.