Selensky travels to Saudi Arabia in anticipation of a peace conference.
Ukraine is attempting to garner support from neutral and pro-Russia nations in preparation for a peace summit this coming June, with intentions to sway China and Saudi Arabia. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian president, is set to visit Saudi Arabia this Saturday to request assistance from the kingdom's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, who is also its de facto ruler. This meeting will take place in Jeddah.
The summit itself is scheduled for June 15th and 16th in Bürgenstock near Lucerne, Switzerland, with the aim of increasing backing for Ukraine following its attack by Russia. Germany has confirmed that Chancellor Olaf Scholz will attend. To gain favor from countries beyond their current supporters, Ukraine has set its sights on involving neutral or even Russia-leaning nations in its cause.
In this pursuit, China remains a top target. Although Saudi Arabia has kept a somewhat neutral stance on the Ukrainian conflict, it has also referred to its position as "active neutrality." Despite tight connections to the United States, Saudi Arabia has a positive rapport with Russia.
In addition to being a potential mediator, Saudi Arabia hosted a summit with over 40 participating countries the previous summer. Zelenskyy attended the Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia a year prior to this current travel.
Read also:
- Year of climate records: extreme is the new normal
- Precautionary arrests show Islamist terror threat
- UN vote urges Israel to ceasefire
- SPD rules out budget resolution before the end of the year
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Saudi Arabia is aimed at seeking assistance from King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the King of Saudi Arabia, who is also known as Mohammed bin Salman's father, in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
- Saudi Arabia, maintaining an "active neutrality" stance on the Ukraine conflict, could potentially play a crucial role in the upcoming peace talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, as it has previous experience in hosting international summits, such as the one it hosted with over 40 participating countries the previous summer.
- In his meetings with Ukrainian officials, including President Zelenskyy, Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, may be asked to use his influence to encourage Russia to cease its attack on Ukraine, with the ultimate goal of contributing to peace talks and the restoration of peace in Kiev.
- Ukraine's peace talks in Saudi Arabia could also involve discussions with leaders from countries like China, which has been identified as a key target in Ukraine's efforts to gain the support of neutral or pro-Russia nations, as well as other influential nations with positive relations with both Ukraine and Russia.
Source:
