Zelenskiy: Ukraine fully committed to constructive dialog with US

The President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Saturday that Ukraine was "fully committed" in having a constructive dialog with U.S. officials next week in Saudi Arabia about ways to end Russia's war.

Since taking office as U.S. president Donald Trump in January, he has suspended U.S. military assistance to Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

He accused Zelenskiy that he was not serious about reaching an agreement with Russia. Russia invaded Ukraine in 2013 and has taken over 20% of the country's territory.

The Ukrainian people have been seeking peace since the first seconds of this war. Realistic proposals have been put forward. Zelenskiy told social media network X that the key to success is moving quickly and efficiently.

Zelenskiy announced that he will visit Saudi Arabia the following week. After meeting Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, Ukrainian diplomatic representatives and military personnel would remain for a Tuesday meeting with the U.S. delegation.

He said, "On our part, we are committed to a constructive dialogue and we hope to discuss, agree and take the necessary steps and decisions."

The Ukrainian delegation includes Foreign Minister Andrii Yermak, Zelenskiy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yurmak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Steve Witkoff, Trump's Special Envoy, has said that he is in talks with Ukraine to reach a framework agreement for the end of the three-year conflict with Russia. A meeting with Ukrainians was scheduled in Saudi Arabia next week.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosted a meeting in February between U.S. officials and Russian officials. The goal was to find ways to stop the most deadly conflict to hit Europe since World War Two. Ukraine was excluded from those talks which caused concern in Kyiv as well as among its European allies.

Zelenskiy and Trump met at the White House in February, but their meeting descended into antagonism when they clashed before the media about peace efforts.

(source: Reuters)