Saudi Arabia (Washington Insider Magazine)—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Riyadh on February 27, 2024, to hold talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) on ending the war in Ukraine and securing the return of prisoners of war (POWs) from Russia.
Zelenskyy’s statement highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting peace and thanked MBS for his mediation efforts. “Saudi Arabia’s leadership can help find a just solution,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the importance of the kingdom’s support for Ukraine’s peace initiatives.
MBS reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating international efforts to resolve the conflict. Riyadh has maintained a balancing act, aligning with Russia on energy policies through OPEC+ while engaging with Ukraine on diplomatic matters.
The visit comes as Ukraine faces intensified fighting in the eastern Donetsk region, with Kyiv’s forces recently withdrawing from villages near Avdiivka. Zelenskyy reiterated the significance of Saudi Arabia’s involvement in implementing Ukraine’s 10-point “Peace Formula,” which includes expelling Russian forces and ensuring accountability for war crimes—proposals Moscow has rejected.
Another key agenda was the return of POWs. “The kingdom’s leadership has already contributed to releasing our people. I am confident this meeting will yield results,” Zelenskyy said on social media. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have previously facilitated prisoner exchanges since the war began in 2022.
MBS has positioned himself as a global mediator, seeking to resolve crises beyond the region. This includes detente with Iran, peace talks in Yemen, and involvement in Ukraine-Russia negotiations.
This marks Zelenskyy’s second visit to Saudi Arabia, following his participation in a summit of Arab leaders in May 2023.
