Crown Prince MBS Emphasizes Saudi Arabia's Support For Peace In Ukraine When Receiving President Zelensky

President Zelensky met the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia MBS. (Source: SPA)

JAKARTA - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud stressed his country's support for peace in Ukraine, when he received President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Monday.

On the occasion, the two leaders reviewed aspects of bilateral relations and discussed the latest developments and ongoing crises in Ukraine, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported as quoted March 11.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia affirms the Kingdom's commitment to support all international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and achieving peace, the SPA said.

Meanwhile, President Zelensky expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the Kingdom's efforts, highlighting its important role in the Middle East and around the world.

Saudi Arabia has played a mediation role since the Russian invasion, including brokering a prisoner swap and hosting talks last month between Moscow and Washington.

The talks between US and Ukrainian officials today are the first official session since Zelenskiy's failed White House meeting. Trump's Central East envoy Steve Witkoff said he had high hopes.

"I think we're going there with the hope that we're going to make substantial progress," he said in an interview with Fox News.

When asked if he thought President Zelensky would return to the US to sign a mineral deal this week, Witkoff said: "I really hope. All the signs are very, very positive."

It is known that Ukraine and the United States are planned to be held in Saudi Arabia today. Previously, Prince MBS also received US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Al-Salam Palace.

Witkoff, who has organized the talks, said the idea was to "get a framework for the peace agreement and an early ceasefire as well".

President Zelensky said he would not attend Tuesday's talks with US officials. The Ukrainian delegation will include its chief staff, foreign ministers, defense ministers, and a top military official in the presidential government.

"On our part, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we look forward to discussing and approving the necessary decisions and steps," President Zelensky said in a post on X.

"A realistic proposal is on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively," he said.

US officials said they planned to use the meeting in part to determine whether Kyiv was willing to make material concessions to Russia to end the war.

"We want to see if Ukraine is interested not only in peace, but also in realistic peace," an official said.