Zelensky discusses advancing peace in Ukraine with Saudi Crown Prince

KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said overnight Tuesday that he discussed steps toward peace in Ukraine with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"We had a detailed discussion on the steps and conditions needed to end the war and secure a reliable and lasting peace," Zelensky wrote on X.

The talks also covered the release of prisoners, the return of Ukrainian children from Russia, and formats of security guarantees for Ukraine, Zelensky added.

Emphasizing that Ukraine's position in upcoming talks with the US team will be "fully constructive", Zelensky expressed hope for "practical outcomes".

Economic cooperation, investments and Ukraine's reconstruction were also discussed at the meeting.

Zelensky arrived in the Saudi coastal city earlier Monday with the head of the president's office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, ahead of the US-Ukraine talks.

Also on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Jeddah and met with the Saudi crown prince.

The US-Ukraine meeting, reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, follows a rare shouting match at the White House between Trump and Zelensky in late February, which led to the cancellation of a bilateral minerals agreement and the subsequent suspension of US military aid to Ukraine.