• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia for peace talks with U.S. diplomats about ending the conflict with Russia.
• Ukraine is set to propose a limited cease-fire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes, aiming to rebuild relations with the U.S.
• The meetings come after tensions rose following a rocky encounter between Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump in February.
• Negotiating topics will include a bilateral minerals deal, essential for securing ongoing U.S. support.
• Saudi Arabia continues to act as a vital mediator in the ongoing war, hosting these important discussions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia to engage with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before critical negotiations with U.S. officials on ending the protracted conflict with Russia. This visit is particularly significant as it serves to repair the strained relationship with the U.S. following a tumultuous meeting in the White House last February, which included open hostility between Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump.

The upcoming discussions, scheduled for Tuesday, will focus on proposed measures aimed at achieving a cease-fire that would encompass the Black Sea region and involve the release of prisoners. These talks represent the first high-level dialogue between the two nations since the contentious meeting in February. Senior Ukrainian officials are indicating a readiness to confirm an agreement related to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which Trump is keen to finalize as part of the U.S. support strategy. As reported by the LA Times, this will serve as a confidence-building measure amidst a backdrop of halted U.S. military and intelligence assistance.

Zelenskyy's team for these negotiations includes pivotal officials such as his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Together, they aim to demonstrate Ukraine’s commitment to peace at a time when Russian military pressure remains acute, particularly in the Kursk region, where their forces have reportedly advanced significantly. As noted by various sources including Al Jazeera, the U.S. team, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is also expected to address these military updates and gauge Ukraine's willingness to engage in peace talks.

While the backdrop for these discussions remains fraught with tension, as evidenced by heightened Russian attacks and ongoing casualties within Ukraine, both sides are exploring pathways to mitigate the conflict. It has been stressed by U.S. officials that a successful outcome from these talks could lead to a restoration of military and intelligence support previously paused. Historical patterns indicate that Saudi Arabia, given its diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Kyiv, is well-positioned to foster dialogue aimed at de-escalating this ongoing war.

For further details, refer to the articles from CNA and Reuters.