Ukraine Prepares for Zelensky’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Amidst U.S.-Russia Talks
Ukraine is preparing for President Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia to discuss economic agreements. Concurrently, U.S. officials are set to meet with Russian representatives, from which Ukraine will be excluded. Zelensky stated he will not engage with either Russian or U.S. delegations during his regional visits, highlighting the complexities of ongoing negotiations for peace.
On February 16, delegations from Saudi Arabia and Ukraine convened to discuss enhancing investment and bilateral cooperation, in anticipation of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. This meeting is strategically timed, as senior U.S. officials also prepare to visit Saudi Arabia to engage with unspecified Russian representatives, a process from which Ukraine is not expected to participate.
The Ukrainian delegation is actively collaborating with local authorities to finalize details for Zelensky’s visit, during which he is expected to sign economic agreements with multiple regional nations, as announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. She expressed optimism about attracting greater investment from Middle Eastern countries, citing strong interest in infrastructure, energy, innovation, and agribusiness projects, particularly in fertilizer production.
President Zelensky, while speaking to reporters at the Munich Security Conference, confirmed his intention to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey. He explicitly stated his decision not to engage in meetings with any Russian or U.S. delegations during these visits, emphasizing, “I will not meet with Russians, but then I will not meet with Americans there.”
Upcoming discussions involving U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, are anticipated to center around Russian representatives, although the specific identities of these Russian delegates remain undisclosed. Rubio highlighted the preliminary nature of these talks, asserting that substantive negotiations must include Ukraine and Europe.
U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia, aiming to facilitate a ceasefire agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. However, Ukrainian officials, including Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, have refuted claims regarding Ukraine’s involvement in the U.S. and Russian dialogue in Riyadh, stating that “there was nothing on the negotiating table that would be worth discussing,” adding that “Russia is not ready for negotiations.”
In conclusion, Ukraine is actively preparing for President Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia, where he aims to strengthen economic ties and sign agreements with regional nations. Concurrently, U.S. officials are set to engage in discussions with Russian representatives, yet Ukraine will not partake in these negotiations. Both countries continue to delineate their positions on diplomatic engagement with Russia, with Zelensky rejecting any meetings during his visit.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
