Saudi Crown Prince Holds Diplomatic Meetings with Zelensky, US Secretary Rubio

 Jeddah : Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah last evening, marking a crucial moment in ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning the Russia-Ukraine war. The high-profile meetings come as the US and Ukraine prepare for key negotiations aimed at furthering President Donald Trump’s strategy to end the prolonged conflict.

Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier in the day and was received at Al-Salam Palace with an official reception, underscoring the strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader then engaged in formal discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where regional security, economic cooperation, and potential peace efforts were reportedly discussed. Saudi Arabia has previously played a role in facilitating diplomatic dialogues and has shown interest in mediating between Russia and Ukraine.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also held separate talks with the Crown Prince before meeting with the Ukrainian delegation. According to the US State Department, Rubio will remain in Jeddah until tomorrow to advance Washington’s diplomatic initiatives regarding Ukraine. Reports suggest that Rubio emphasized the need for further negotiations on an anticipated minerals deal between the US and Ukraine, which is expected to be a key part of economic cooperation between the two nations. The agreement is believed to focus on securing rare minerals crucial for the defense and technology sectors.

Saudi media highlighted that Rubio expressed optimism about the upcoming discussions but noted that some final details still needed to be ironed out. The US-Ukraine talks, reportedly scheduled for today, are expected to include discussions on military aid, economic support, and strategies for conflict resolution. Saudi Arabia’s involvement signals its increasing role as a diplomatic bridge between key international players, leveraging its influence in global geopolitics.

These meetings take place at a time when the international community is closely watching the Russia-Ukraine conflict and seeking viable solutions.