Meeting between Mohammed bin Salman and Zelensky: Saudi efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis
In a significant diplomatic move, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine in Jeddah. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in the Ukrainian crisis and international efforts to find a peaceful solution to end the conflict, as well as to review bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Ukraine and ways to develop them in various fields.
Historical context and growing Saudi role
This visit comes within the context of the Kingdom’s pivotal and growing role on the international stage and its ongoing efforts to contribute to global security and stability. This is not the first time Saudi Arabia has intervened diplomatically in the crisis; in September 2022, the Crown Prince’s mediation successfully facilitated the largest prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in the release of citizens from several countries, a move that garnered widespread international praise. Furthermore, in August 2023, Jeddah hosted a meeting of national security advisors and representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations to discuss a “peace formula” for Ukraine, further solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a neutral and credible platform for dialogue.
The importance of the meeting and its expected impact
The meeting is particularly significant as it comes as part of President Zelensky's diplomatic tour to garner international support ahead of the World Peace Summit scheduled to be held in Switzerland. Ukraine is seeking support from influential powers in the Global South, and the Kingdom is considered a key player in this context given its political and economic weight in the Arab and Islamic worlds. For its part, the Kingdom, through these meetings, underscores its balanced foreign policy, which is based on building bridges with all parties and supporting all efforts aimed at dialogue and de-escalation.
Regional and international repercussions
Internationally, Saudi Arabia’s efforts are seen as a constructive contribution to easing global polarization. While maintaining its strategic relationships with its traditional partners, the Kingdom is also building strong partnerships with other powers, including Russia within the OPEC+ framework. This balanced stance gives it unique credibility to play the role of an impartial mediator. This meeting is expected to have a positive impact on international efforts to ensure energy and food security, two sectors severely affected by the conflict, and in which both Saudi Arabia and Ukraine play vital roles.
