Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine remains “most interested in peace” as he prepares for discussions with US officials in Saudi Arabia next week. The upcoming talks aim to explore pathways to ending the war with Russia, despite recent tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
US-Ukraine Relations Back on Track?
Zelenskyy’s remarks come after a controversial visit to the White House, which strained ties between the two nations. However, he signaled a renewed effort to restore diplomatic relations, announcing that his team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work closely with American partners.
“I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the Crown Prince,” Zelenskyy stated in his nightly address. “After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace.”
International Efforts to Secure Peace
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are also engaging with European leaders to discuss potential troop deployments for a peacekeeping force. However, Russia has already dismissed this proposal, further complicating the prospects for a resolution.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration remains engaged in discussions about a potential peace framework. US President Joe Biden hinted at progress in negotiations but withheld specific details.
“I think what’s going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal because I don’t think they have a choice,” said former US President Donald Trump. “I also think that Russia wants to make a deal, but in a different way that only I know.”
Saudi Arabia as a Key Diplomatic Hub
US officials have expressed optimism about engaging Ukraine in talks hosted in Saudi Arabia, with potential venues including Riyadh or Jeddah. Steve Witkoff, a senior US official, called a recent letter from Zelenskyy to Trump a “positive first step” and confirmed that Washington is working on a peace framework.
At the same time, European leaders have signed new defense spending initiatives, allowing EU countries to expand military budgets for continental security. The agreement aims to boost Europe’s ability to respond to security threats and reinforce NATO’s defensive posture.
Escalation in Odesa
Amid ongoing diplomatic maneuvers, Russia launched a large-scale drone attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa. According to local Ukrainian officials, the attack damaged critical energy infrastructure and ignited fires, underscoring the persistent volatility of the conflict.
As Ukraine and its allies prepare for high-level negotiations in Saudi Arabia, the path to peace remains uncertain. However, the diplomatic push signals a renewed global effort to bring an end to the war and restore stability in the region.
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