Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy to Visit Saudi Arabia Following U.S.-Russia Talks

RIYADH, February 17, 2025 (SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, one day after high-level talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Riyadh, his spokesman confirmed to AFP.

A Long-Planned Visit Amid Diplomatic Maneuvering

Zelenskyy’s spokesman, Sergiy Nykyforov, described the visit as “long-planned”, with First Lady Olena Zelenska accompanying him. The trip is part of a regional tour that includes the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey, though Zelenskyy has made it clear that he has no plans to meet Russian or U.S. officials during his time in the Kingdom.

His arrival follows Tuesday’s U.S.-Russia discussions in Riyadh, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is set to meet U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as part of what the Kremlin describes as efforts to mend ties with Washington.

Ukraine Rejects Any Agreements Made Without Its Participation

Addressing the U.S.-Russia talks, Zelenskyy dismissed the notion that any agreements on Ukraine could be reached without Kyiv’s involvement.

"We cannot recognize any things or any agreements about us without us. And we will not recognize such agreements," Zelenskyy said, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Rubio, who arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, is also set to hold talks with Saudi officials regarding the conflict in Gaza, underscoring the Kingdom’s growing role as a key diplomatic mediator in multiple international crises.

Zelenskyy’s visit highlights Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic influence, as it continues to position itself as a neutral platform for international discussions on global security and conflict resolution.