Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. officials. It is in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war with Russia. Before these talks, he will meet Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The United States has shifted its policies, seeking a rapid end to the war by engaging directly with Moscow and stopping military aid to Kyiv. Zelenskyy is under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to align with U.S. goals.
The upcoming talks will focus on a bilateral minerals deal and steps toward peace. Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire and prisoner exchange as initial steps, which Russia has rejected. Zelenskyy is urging increased European backing as Ukrainian forces face growing Russian pressure. It is particularly in the Kursk region and eastern Donetsk area.