Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday he was determined to do everything to end the Russia-Ukraine war while confirming upcoming meetings between American and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia to negotiate peace as the war with Russia continues.
This meeting marks the first high-level engagement between US and Ukrainian officials since Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump on February 28.
He also revealed that Ukraine’s diplomatic team met with UK officials in Kyiv to discuss joint efforts to accelerate peace talks.
Zelenskyy posted on X that the meeting in Kyiv with the UK’s diplomatic team was “highly productive” and focused on steps to bring peace closer. He thanked the UK for its continued support and reiterated Ukraine’s determination to end the war as soon as possible. “Ukraine is determined to do everything to end this war with a just and lasting peace as soon as possible,” he wrote.
The announcement follows Zelenskyy’s participation in a European leaders’ summit in London on March 2, where discussions centred on Ukraine’s future in Europe and long-term security commitments. During his recent UK visit, he met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address Ukraine’s security challenges and its path towards peace, along with meeting King Charles. The UK and Ukraine had previously signed a 100-year partnership agreement to foster recovery and technological cooperation.
Zelenskyy also confirmed that he will travel to Saudi Arabia next week, where he will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. On Tuesday, Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will remain in Jeddah for discussions with the American delegation.
The Ukrainian President emphasised that Kyiv is committed to constructive dialogue and hopes to agree on concrete steps toward peace. He reiterated that Ukraine has been pursuing peace since the beginning of the war and has put forward “realistic proposals” to resolve the conflict. He stressed the urgency of making progress.
Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed he will meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss an “initial ceasefire” and a broader framework for a longer-term agreement. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the talks will take place in Jeddah.