On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Saudi Crown Prince to discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine. This comes ahead of a Tuesday meeting between Ukrainian and US teams to negotiate ends to Russia’s aggression and a security deal that would include US access to Ukraine’s mineral and metal resources.
These talks mark the first face-to-face discussions between Ukrainian and US representatives after a public dispute between US President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy in the White House late in February.
Meeting in Saudi Arabia highlights the kingdom’s growing role as a mediator in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has indeed established itself as a platform for dialog in the last two to three years.
The country’s strategy prioritizes engaging with all parties to address its foreign policy goals without taking definitive stances.
Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating talks reflects not only its strategic position but also an attempt to establish diplomatic neutrality to keep channels open with various regional and global actors.
A historic prisoner swap between Russia and the US, facilitated by Riyadh in 2024, and the discussions between top US and Russian officials on normalizing relations demonstrate the kingdom’s active diplomacy.
There is also speculation that Saudi Arabia will host a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, an event that could significantly impact international relations and conflict resolutions.
In addition to mediating conflicts, Saudi Arabia is actively involved in discussions related to Sudan and the situation of Palestinians in Gaza, further cementing its role as a key regional player.
Saudi Arabia’s increased diplomatic activity also helps to shift the focus from its past human rights controversies.
The kingdom’s strategic pivot to mediatory diplomacy and financial incentives may signal its intention to avoid active involvement in resolving conflicts, focusing more on fostering a conducive environment for international business and diplomacy.
Edited by: Maren Sass
