Zelenskyy visits Saudi, Crown Prince pledges to resolve Ukrainian Crisis

Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman welcomed Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Riyadh on Tuesday, marking a significant moment in diplomatic efforts amidst the ongoing Ukrainian-Russian crisis.

The Crown Prince emphasized the Kingdom’s unwavering support for international endeavours aimed at resolving the crisis and restoring peace in Ukraine during their meeting. He further pledged continued support for alleviating the humanitarian suffering inflicted by the conflict.

President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for the Kingdom's efforts to end the war and appreciated the warm welcome extended to him in Saudi Arabia.

The discussions between the two leaders encompassed the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis as well as various aspects of Saudi-Ukrainian relations, highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation in addressing regional challenges.

The reception was attended by high-ranking officials from both sides, including Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan from Saudi Arabia, and Head of the Office of the Ukrainian President Andriy Yermak and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba from Ukraine.

Saudi Press Agency reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting efforts for peace and emphasized the significance of ongoing humanitarian initiatives. Zelenskyy, in a social media post, highlighted his intention to discuss issues such as prisoners of war and deportees with the Crown Prince, expressing confidence in positive outcomes based on previous collaborative efforts.

The Crown Prince's involvement in securing the release of foreign prisoners in Ukraine in 2022, facilitating a major prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine, highlights Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

President Zelenskyy also expressed eagerness to explore avenues for economic cooperation and Saudi involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, reflecting a broader scope of bilateral engagement beyond diplomatic and humanitarian dimensions.

President Zelenskyy departed Riyadh later on Tuesday evening, bidding farewell to Saudi officials including Deputy Governor of Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, as both countries continue to navigate the complexities of the Ukrainian crisis with a shared commitment to peace and prosperity.

The meeting between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Zelenskyy signals a renewed momentum in diplomatic efforts to address the Ukrainian crisis and underscores the importance of international cooperation in resolving complex conflicts.