**Ukraine and Saudi Arabia Discuss Peace Deal**
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on March 10. The talks were ahead of a meeting between US and Ukrainian officials, which will take place on March 11.
Zelensky’s team will stay in Jeddah to discuss the framework for a potential peace agreement with Russia. However, Zelensky himself is not expected to participate in these negotiations.
The leaders discussed Saudi Arabia’s role in mediating the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children who were illegally deported to Russia. They also talked about possible security guarantees for Ukraine and strategies for achieving “a just and lasting peace.”
Ukraine wants to develop cooperation with Saudi Arabia in trade, energy, and defense production. The two leaders discussed potential future investments by Saudi Arabia in Ukraine.
**US-Ukraine Talks Planned**
The US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and include Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. They will meet with Zelensky’s team, including his Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Rubio said that a successful meeting in Jeddah could lead to Washington resuming military aid deliveries to Ukraine. He also stated that territorial concessions would be needed as part of any peace deal.
**Conflict Escalation**
Russian forces have made gains south of the Ukrainian-held town of Sudzha, potentially threatening to cut off some Ukrainian positions.
