Saudi-Ukrainian Talks Discuss ‘World Peace Summit’

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his reception of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Ukraine’s presidency revealed on Wednesday talks with Saudi Arabia, focusing on the upcoming high-level peace conference in Switzerland next summer, amidst ongoing Russian military actions.
Andriy Yermak, the head of the Ukrainian president’s office, recently held a phone call conversation with Saudi National Security Adviser Musaad Al-Aiban, appreciating their ongoing dialogue.
Yermak also thanked Al-Aiban for the continued implementation of agreements reached between Ukraine and the Kingdom.
According to the presidency, the two officials discussed the organization of the summit in Switzerland and Saudi Arabia’s readiness to contribute to achieving lasting peace.
Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia, the two countries are engaging in talks for the second time in less than a year.
During his visit, Zelensky received assurances from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international efforts to resolve the Ukrainian-Russian crisis politically.
Last May, Saudi Arabia hosted Zelensky as a guest at the Arab Summit in Jeddah, where Arab leaders gathered.
Zelensky praised Saudi Arabia’s role in mediating prisoner releases and outlined his ten-point peace plan aimed at involving more countries.
Last August, a meeting in Jeddah gathered national security advisers and representatives from over 40 countries and international organizations, including the United Nations.
Led by Al-Aiban, they discussed the Ukrainian crisis and agreed to continue international consultations for peace. Kyiv appreciated Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the meeting.
Meanwhile, Saudi relief planes, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, continue to fly to Ukraine, with thirteen planes having arrived so far.
Yermak also stated on Sunday that Ukraine and its allies might ask Russia to join a peace summit in the coming months to discuss ending the two-year-long war, on Kyiv’s terms.
Media reports suggest Switzerland will host the global summit next summer to discuss the peace plan proposed by Ukraine’s Zelensky.
Political researcher Ghassan Ibrahim sees Ukraine relying on Saudi Arabia’s role in achieving peace and easing tensions with Russia.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Ibrahim noted Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance, humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and mediation efforts for prisoner releases as reasons for its significant position in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis.