Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia as U.S.-Ukraine talks aim for progress

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday ahead of high-stakes talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials, as Washington seeks substantial progress toward ending Ukraine’s war with Russia.

The first official talks between Ukraine and the Trump administration are set for Tuesday, following a tense Oval Office encounter between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump last month.

Trump has halted military aid and engaged directly with Moscow, pressuring Kyiv to consider a "realistic peace". U.S. officials say the meeting will gauge Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, saying the talks could set a framework for a ceasefire and peace deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was more cautious, emphasizing that success could come even without an immediate agreement.

Zelenskyy has ruled out attending Tuesday’s talks, sending his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and top military officials instead. In a post on X, he stressed Ukraine’s commitment to "constructive dialogue", urging swift and effective decisions.

As U.S. support wavers, Kyiv is pushing for a minerals deal with Washington, aimed at securing continued backing. However, Ukraine remains under growing battlefield pressure, with its troops in Russia’s Kursk region nearly surrounded and Russian forces intensifying strikes across the country.

Moscow has dismissed ceasefire proposals from Ukraine, Britain, and France, insisting they are attempts to buy time for Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s European allies face increased pressure to step up their support as Russia continues its offensive.

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