Zelenskiy Meets Saudi Crown Prince as Ukraine Faces Pressure Amid U.S. Policy Shift

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeking diplomatic support as Kyiv faces growing challenges. The U.S., once Ukraine’s strongest ally, has shifted its stance, engaging directly with Moscow while halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Saudi Arabia has played a key mediating role since Russia’s 2022 invasion, brokering prisoner exchanges and hosting U.S.-Russia talks. Zelenskiy’s meeting with bin Salman precedes high-stakes discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials, focusing on a potential minerals deal and efforts to end the war.

Under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to secure a rapid resolution, Zelenskiy is working to align with Washington despite failing to obtain security guarantees Kyiv considers crucial. The upcoming talks, which Zelenskiy will not attend, will include his top aides, defense, and foreign ministers. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to a constructive dialogue, stating that “realistic proposals” are on the table.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, aims to establish a framework for a ceasefire and peace agreement. Zelenskiy has called for a truce in air and sea operations, alongside a prisoner exchange, as a test of Russia’s willingness to negotiate. Moscow has dismissed temporary truce proposals, calling them a delay tactic to aid Kyiv.

With diminishing U.S. support, Zelenskiy is urging European allies to increase assistance as Ukraine faces battlefield setbacks. Russian forces are advancing in Donetsk, launching intensified missile and drone attacks. Over the past week alone, Russia has fired 1,200 aerial bombs, nearly 870 attack drones, and over 80 missiles at Ukraine. As fighting escalates, Ukraine’s future depends on securing strategic international backing.