Ukraine’s position in talks with US in Saudi Arabia to be “fully constructive’: Zelenskyy

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Kyiv's position in Tuesday's talks with the US in Saudi Arabia will be "fully constructive."

"I acknowledged the Crown Prince’s efforts in bringing true peace closer. Saudi Arabia provides a crucial platform for diplomacy, and we appreciate this," Zelenskyy said Monday on X after his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Zelenskyy is currently in the Saudi city of Jeddah ahead of the talks between US and Ukrainian officials to discuss ways to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

"Ukraine’s position in these talks will be fully constructive," he said, hoping for "practical outcomes."

Stressing that he had a "good meeting" with the crown prince, he said they discussed all key issues on the agenda, both bilateral matters and cooperation with other partners.

"With the Crown Prince, we had a detailed discussion on the steps and conditions needed to end the war and secure a reliable and lasting peace.

"I specifically emphasized the issue of the release of prisoners and the return of our children, which could become a key step in building trust in diplomatic efforts," he added.

Turning to security guarantees, Zelenskyy said Kyiv appreciates Saudi Arabia’s readiness to expand economic cooperation and invest in Ukraine.

The US under President Donald Trump, who had an explosive White House meeting with Zelenskyy last month, has called for an end to the fighting in Ukraine, engaged directly with Russia and has stopped military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Saudi Arabia also hosted last month's talks between Moscow and Washington.