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.
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