Ukrainian Diplomatic Efforts in Saudi Arabia
This week, a Ukrainian delegation traveled to Riyadh, where they met with officials, including Andriy Yermack, the Director of the Ukrainian Presidential Office. Their discussions, focusing on “security assurances,” took place on Wednesday.
Ukraine is currently engaged in intense discussions with European nations, the United States, and other allies, aiming to find a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict that has lasted about a decade. Interest in a comprehensive peace agreement grew after a meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska. There are even talks about a proposed trilateral conversation involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Trump had engaged with Putin on August 15, several days before he met with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Britain, and Zelensky at the White House. Although talks about a meeting between Putin and Zelensky have stagnated, both sides are seeking support from countries like Saudi Arabia, which maintain friendly ties with both nations. Saudi Arabia has been noted for its humanitarian assistance to Ukraine, helping to strengthen relations further, even as the kingdom continues to purchase fossil fuels from Russia amidst Western calls for sanctions.
In response to the aforementioned Trump-Putin conference, Riyadh expressed its commitment to dialogue, describing it as essential for resolving conflicts.
Yermak and Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security Council, met with Saudi Defense Minister Khalid Bin Salman Al Saud to explore how Saudi Arabia might assist in mediating the end of the war. Yermak noted that they discussed the important role both Ukraine and Saudi Arabia could play in achieving enduring peace. He emphasized Ukraine’s gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s commitment to helping foster stability in the region.
Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman confirmed the meeting and mentioned that both sides discussed various topics of mutual interest. However, the specifics of their conversation remain somewhat vague. Additionally, it was reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently received correspondence from Putin, though details about that communication were limited.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has acted as a platform for dialogue aimed at easing tensions stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In past engagements, the kingdom hosted key discussions between American and Russian leaders which culminated in the recent summit in Alaska. Trump had hinted at future meetings with Putin in Saudi Arabia, expressing optimism for such encounters.
In recent comments, Zelensky suggested that Saudi Arabia could host meetings between himself and Putin, alongside other neutral countries like Turkey. While he has been eager for dialogue to address the invasion, Russia’s recent stance has prevented such meetings from materializing.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov mentioned that Putin is open to meeting with Zelensky only when a concrete agenda is established, but currently, no such framework exists. He criticized discussions around providing security guarantees to Ukraine, calling it a “road to nowhere.”
