Zelensky praises Saudi efforts in seeking end to war

KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and praised the kingdom’s efforts in seeking a solution to end Russia’s two-year-old invasion of Ukraine.

A statement on Zelensky’s website said the two men discussed Kyiv’s Peace Formula for ending the conflict and the president thanked the crown prince for his “valuable advice” in finding ways to speed up its implementation.

“The head of state (Zelensky) noted in particular Saudi Arabia’s strivings to help in restoring a just peace in Ukraine,” the statement said.

“Saudi Arabia’s leadership can help find a just solution,” it quoted Zelenskiy as saying.

Zelensky and the crown prince discussed the content of a Peace Summit Switzerland has agreed to host later in the year. Also discussed were “possible steps for truly restoring security for Ukraine”, Europe and the world.“We have identical interests in ensuring global stability,” the statement quoted Zelenskiy as saying. The Saudi state news agency said the crown prince “affirmed the Kingdom’s keenness and support for all international endeavours and efforts aimed at resolving the Ukrainian-Russian crisis”.