Zelensky's Attempt to Get the Support of Saudi Arabia

On June 15 and 16, Switzerland will hold a conference about Ukraine near the city of Lucerne. According to reports, representatives from approximately 160 countries have been invited to attend. Ukraine is actively working to expand the number of countries participating in the peace conference next month. President Zelensky aims to garner extensive international support for his proposed conditions to bring an end to the war with Russia.

Learning for the Swiss conference

Ever since the war between Russia and Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has been utilizing international forums to garner support against Russia and secure military and economic aid. This time, Zelensky has chosen to meet in Switzerland, where a conference is scheduled to be held on June 15 and 16, in order to attract global attention and support.^[1]

Zelensky's trip to Saudi Arabia 

One of the countries where the President of Ukraine has opened a special account is Saudi Arabia. The importance of Saudi Arabia's presence at the Swiss conference is so significant for Zelensky that he has decided to personally travel to the country to seek Saudi support for the conference. A source at the Ukrainian embassy in Riyadh has reported that Volodymyr Zelensky will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 1st, and will visit the port city of Jeddah during a brief trip. During his visit, he will meet with Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, as well as other high-ranking officials in the country.^[2]

How has Saudi Arabia's position been regarding the war in Ukraine so far  ?

Saudi Arabia's approach to the Russia-Ukraine war is characterized by a commitment to neutrality, mediation efforts, and the provision of humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees. Saudi Arabia voted in favor of the UN resolutions calling for an end to the conflicts, the withdrawal of Russian forces, and a halt to the annexation of Ukraine by Russia. However, when the United States and European countries banned the import of Russian oil, Saudi Arabia, through OPEC+, prevented an increase in oil production that could have replaced Russian oil for the West. In doing so, Saudi Arabia inadvertently helped Russia's economy significantly.^[3]

Why is the presence of Saudi Arabia in the Swiss conference important for Zelensky?

A closer examination of the records from these meetings reveals that, despite their title, they serve as a means to secure funds and weapons for the ongoing war or to garner political support from other countries involved in the conflict. A popular slogan among Americans who support Ukraine is "In order to achieve peace, one must be prepared to fight." This is why Kiev is actively seeking support from countries like Saudi Arabia, known for its vast wealth and energy reserves.

Moreover, Kiev is hopeful that in addition to economic assistance, political backing will also be extended to further the agenda of isolating Russia on the global stage. The belief is that with widespread international condemnation of Russia's attacks on Ukraine, the Kremlin may reconsider its policies and scale back its aggression.^[4]

Will Zelenskiy's goals in gaining Saudi support be achieved?

Although the authorities in Kiev are attempting to leverage Saudi Arabia's position and status to exert pressure on Russia, and Saudi Arabia has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine, evidence suggests that the Saudis have their own interests at heart. They are unlikely to jeopardize their nationalistic values and friendly relations with Russia for the sake of Ukraine. The most that Saudi Arabia can do for Ukraine at this time is to step in and mediate, urging Moscow and Kiev to cease fighting. However, in the meantime, the Americans may complicate matters by opposing China's peace plan, allowing tensions to persist.

Finally, it should be noted that in order to resolve this crisis, Zelensky has sought support from countries uninvolved in the conflict in Ukraine. The primary cause of this situation is America, which has placed Kiev at the center of its European ambitions. The resolution of this situation now rests on Washington's political decisions; whether it is willing to negotiate with Russian leaders or continue this dangerous game until the last drop of Ukrainian blood.