Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed on Monday that Ukraine remains committed to ending the war, emphasizing that Russia is the sole reason for the ongoing conflict. His statement comes ahead of critical discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, where diplomatic efforts to find a resolution will take center stage.
Zelensky is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia later in the day, ahead of high-stakes negotiations scheduled for Tuesday. The talks will be the first formal engagement between Ukrainian and U.S. representatives since Zelensky’s controversial White House visit last month, which reportedly did little to secure additional support for Ukraine’s war efforts.
“Since the very first moment of this war, Ukraine has sought peace. The only reason the war persists is Russia,” Zelensky wrote on social media, reinforcing Ukraine’s position that it is Russia’s actions that have prevented a resolution.
The discussions in Saudi Arabia come at a crucial time, as Ukraine continues to seek diplomatic backing and security guarantees that would prevent future aggression from Moscow. While Kyiv has long advocated for a just and lasting peace, it has also called for stronger defense commitments from Western allies to deter further Russian attacks.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin remains skeptical about the outcomes of the Saudi talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that while Moscow is monitoring developments, it does not expect any significant breakthroughs. He suggested that Washington might be anticipating a shift in Ukraine’s stance regarding negotiations.
“This is, in fact, probably what everyone is waiting for—to hear that Kyiv is ready for peace,” Peskov said.
Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly echoed Kremlin-aligned narratives about the war, raising concerns among Ukrainian officials about the future of American support. Trump’s administration has taken a notably different approach from its predecessor, signaling a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding Ukraine.
As the war enters its fourth year, Ukraine remains firm in its calls for a resolution that ensures long-term security and sovereignty, while Russia continues to pursue its strategic objectives on the battlefield. The upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia could offer new insights into the evolving dynamics of the conflict and the international community’s role in shaping its outcome.
