Zelensky, Saudi crown prince discuss Russia-Ukraine crisis

RIYADH -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday discussed the Russia-Ukraine crisis with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The Saudi crown prince reaffirmed his country's support for all international endeavors aimed at resolving the crisis and achieving peace, and its continued contribution to alleviating the situation through humanitarian assistance, the SPA said.

Zelensky "expressed appreciation and thanks for the efforts exerted by the Kingdom in this regard," according to the report.

The visit aimed to discuss peace prospects, the exchange of prisoners of war, and the areas of economic cooperation and potential involvement of Saudi Arabia in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction efforts, Zelensky said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

"We discussed the Peace Formula's points and the progress that can be made in implementing them. Saudi Arabia's leadership can assist in finding equitable solutions," Zelensky said. Ukraine's Peace Formula calls for the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

In another post on X, the Ukrainian president noted that Saudi Arabia "has already contributed to the release of our people. I am confident this meeting will also yield results."

Saudi Arabia, which maintains ties with both Moscow and Kiev, had mediated between the two sides before, helping reach a deal in September 2022 that freed over 200 captive Ukrainians.