Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has positioned himself as a potential mediator to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia.
During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to advocate for an end to the Ukrainian invasion and the repatriation of prisoners of war from Russia. A statement on Zelenskyy’s website indicated that the two leaders discussed Ukraine’s proposal to resolve the conflict, with Zelenskyy expressing gratitude for MBS’s mediation efforts.
Zelenskyy specifically acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating a just peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the leadership’s potential to contribute to finding a fair resolution. The state-run Saudi Press Agency affirmed MBS’s support for international efforts to address the Ukrainian-Russian crisis.
Despite Riyadh’s alignment with Russia on energy policies within the OPEC+ group, MBS has actively pursued a role as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Zelenskyy’s visit coincided with Ukrainian forces facing setbacks in eastern Ukraine, with Russia’s superior troop numbers and weapon supplies tipping the balance in their favor.
The Ukrainian military announced the withdrawal of troops from two villages near Avdiivka in the Donetsk region due to intense fighting. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s reliance on Saudi Arabia’s support in advancing a “Peace Formula” to end the invasion, presenting a ten-point plan that includes the expulsion of Russian forces and accountability for war crimes.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the issue of prisoner of war (POW) returns, expressing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s role in securing their release. Meanwhile, MBS met with Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin to discuss parliamentary cooperation and mutual concerns.
In recent years, MBS has pursued diplomatic initiatives, including detente with Iran and peace efforts with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, positioning himself as a leader in global crises. However, Saudi Arabia has faced criticism for its involvement in the Yemeni war and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Zelenskyy’s engagement with Saudi Arabia underscores the region’s involvement in resolving the Ukrainian conflict, including prisoner exchanges facilitated by neighboring countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
