Zelenskyy says Ukraine is 'fully committed' to constructive dialogue with US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with his US counterpart Donald Trump

Ukraine is 'fully committed' to constructive dialogue with US representatives in Saudi Arabia next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday. The key is to move quickly and effectively, he noted. The Ukrainian President's remarks come after last week's explosive Oval Office meeting with US President Donald Trump.

"Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively," Zelenskyy said on social media network X.

"On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps," he added in the post as Ukraine and US representatives have indicated they will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a framework for ending the war.

Today, a highly productive meeting took place in Kyiv between the diplomatic teams of Ukraine and the UK.We discussed our joint steps that could bring us closer to peace and accelerate diplomatic efforts. Im grateful for the support. Ukraine is determined to do everything to
Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) March 8, 2025

The Ukrainian President asserted that Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war. "Realistic proposals are on the table," he wrote.

Zelenskyy said he would visit Saudi Arabia next week and after his meeting with the Crown Prince on Monday, Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives would stay for a meeting on Tuesday with the US team.

Last night, Trump issued a stern warning saying he is 'strongly considering' large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia over peace deal with Ukraine.

"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large scale banking sanctions, sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED," he posted on Truth Social.

Trump added the warring nations of Russia and Ukraine don't have a choice but to work towards a peace deal. "I think what's going to happen is Ukraine wants to make a deal because I don't think they have a choice. I also think that Russia wants to make a deal because in a certain different way, a different way that I only I know, only I know, they have no choice either," he said while answering to a reporter.

- With agency inputs