Ukraine’s Zelenskyy visits Saudi Arabia to discuss peace plan and prisoner swap deal

Europe, Middle East, News February 28, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on February 27, 2024, to discuss Ukraine’s peace plan and the issue of prisoners of war with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

At the forefront of the agenda is Zelenskyy’s visit to the Kingdom remains a 10-point peace proposal, centered on a full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine, the pursuit of reparations, accountability for war criminals, and the release and repatriation of Ukrainian prisoners of war with mediation by Riyadh.

“The Kingdom’s leadership has already contributed to the release of our people. I am confident that this meeting will also yield results,” Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter about his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He added that he discussed the potential economic cooperation, especially in technological spheres between the two countries, and “Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction” after the war.

An official statement released by the Ukrainian Presidential office stated that the Zelenskyy “informed the Crown Prince on the preparations carried out by Ukraine and its partners for the first Global Peace Summit to be held in Switzerland.”

I had a meaningful and candid conversation with His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

We discussed the Peace Formula’s points and the progress that can be made in implementing them. Saudi Arabia’s leadership can assist in finding equitable solutions. We value His… pic.twitter.com/f5Je6ZskAg
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 27, 2024

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Mohammed bin Salman discussed the content of the summit and possible steps to restore real security for Ukraine, the whole of Europe, and all the nations of the world.

Ukraine has been resisting Russia’s full-scale invasion for over two years now, receiving substantial international backing primarily from its Western allies. This support includes the supply of weapons, humanitarian aid, and the imposition of sanctions against Russia.

Although Ukraine is enjoying complete support from Western powers, several other regional powerhouses, such as Saudi Arabia, have kept a balanced approach supporting Kyiv but also maintaining diplomatic ties with Russia. This stance makes Saudi Arabia a notable intermediary in the ongoing conflict. Saudi Arabia has played a major role in finalizing several prisoner swap deals between Russia and Ukraine, while more such deals were discussed during the meeting between the two leaders.

Last August, Saudi Arabia also hosted a Ukraine conference in the coastal city of Jeddah, where envoys from several countries agreed to continue “international consultations” to build common ground for peace. But little seemed to have been achieved on that front with Russian and Ukrainian forces engaging in intense battles in the recent months.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — *^{Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his trip to Saudi Arabia on February 27, 2024. (Image Credit: Twitter/@ZelenskyyUa)}*

Most recently, the Russians were able to record successes, particularly the takeover of the eastern city of Avdiivka. Ukrainian forces withdrew from the strategically important industrial city in the Donetsk region shortly before the war entered into its third year on February 24.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu claimed this week that Russian troops have made further gains, having occupied an additional 327 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory over one year. The reports could not be verified from any other source.