Quotes
We hope for practical outcomes, ... Ukraine's position in these talks will be fully constructive."
Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X
That’s why I have been clear the security of Ukraine is the future of Europe and our support for Ukraine is unwavering
He added
New defence packages, strengthened air defence, and even more investments in our defence industry
He wroteWe see it providing that mediating role between the US and Russia, between the US and Ukraine, and it has become an essential player in the Middle East, certainly with regards to the Palestinians, to Syria and to Lebanon,
Neil Quilliam, a foreign affairs specialist at the London-based think tank Chatham House, told DWRiyadh's priority is to secure its own business model, and for that it needs the US,
he explainedSaudi Arabia will certainly use the opportunity to mediate with Ukraine in order to present themselves as a reliable partner, as it wants concessions from Trump, especially with regard to Gaza and a future Palestinian state alongside Israel,
Sebastian Sons told DWSaudi Arabia has indeed established itself as a platform for dialog in the last two to three years,
Sebastian Sons, a senior researcher for the German think tank CARPO, told DWWith regard to the Middle East, all negotiations in the region go through Riyadh."
Kawas echoed this viewThe country refrained from joining the West's criticism and sanctions against Russia, while it was also in regular contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and provided humanitarian aid packages and medical aid worth millions for Ukraine,
Kawas explainedSaudi Arabia's neutrality has led to its current mediating role,
Mohammed Kawas, a London-based political analyst, told DWThat is not the aim of the Saudis, ... it would rather pave the way for doing business with the US."
he saidWhat we want to understand is whether they are open to entering peace conversations and what kind of compromises they might consider. It has been a costly and bloody war for the Ukrainians. They have suffered greatly, and their people have suffered greatly."
He acknowledged the immense toll of the war on Ukraine, stating
We are optimistic about tomorrow's meeting and grateful to Saudi Arabia for hosting the conference."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism ahead of the U.S.-Ukraine talks set to take place in Jeddah on Tuesday, statingIf Ukraine and the U.S. can reach an understanding acceptable to President Trump, this could accelerate efforts toward peace talks,
Rubio said
I believe we will reach good results in the negotiations."
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding the upcoming discussions in Jeddah, statingThey’ve suffered greatly, and their people have suffered greatly, and it’s hard in the aftermath of something like that to even talk about concessions, but that’s the only way this is going to end, to prevent more suffering,
Rubio said,
My hope is we’re going to have a really good meeting tomorrow, and we’ll be in a different place very soon,
Rubio saidWe really want to sort of ascertain where they stand on this and what they’re willing to do in order to achieve peace,
Rubio told reporters on MondayWe’re not going to find out on X. We’re not going to find out, you know, on media, press conferences. We have to find out in rooms that are closed,
Rubio added, just over a week since the meeting between Trump and Zelensky went off the rails in front of camerasI think if we emerge there with a good meeting that we feel good about and can report back to the president, then I think decisions will be made in regards to the pause,
he said