Zelenskyy, Mohammed bin Salman Discuss Saudi Mediation in Peace and Prisoner Release From Russia

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Presidential Office reported on March 11.

Zelenskyy thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the ongoing dialogue and the invitation to visit Saudi Arabia, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Volodymyr Zelenskyy recognized Saudi Arabia’s efforts in seeking ways to achieve a just and lasting peace, particularly in organizing a meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations set to take place on March 11 in Jeddah, “ the Presidential Office stated.

Senior U.S. and Ukrainian officials arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a crucial meeting that could determine whether Washington resumes military and intelligence support for Kyiv.

“During the meeting, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud discussed Saudi Arabia’s potential role as a mediator in securing the release of military and civilian prisoners and the return of deported children, as well as prospects for strengthening efforts in this direction,” the press release stated.

On March 11, BBC reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about Ukraine’s proposal for a partial ceasefire to end the war with Russia, ahead of talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia.