Zelenskyy: Saudi Talks Thwarted Russia’s Attempts to Divide U.S. and Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at a press conference on March 12, accused Russia of attempting to sow discord between Ukraine and the United States but said the discussions in Jeddah had undermined Moscow’s efforts.

“I believe that the meeting in Saudi Arabia itself breaks Russia’s plans for a complete escalation of relations between Ukraine and America. On the contrary, there is a de-escalation. And this is how it should be between partners,” Zelenskyy said.

This comes following the negotiations in Saudi Arabia where a 30-day ceasefire was proposed.

“We are ready for a ceasefire for 30 days as proposed by the American side,” Zelenskyy stated. He described the talks as “constructive” and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war.

“We want to end this war,” he added. “And we want the U.S. President to see it. I want the Americans to see and to feel it.”

Earlier, China, Iran, and Russia held joint naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, part of a series of annual drills that began in 2019.