Ukraine is “fully committed” to engaging in constructive dialogue with US representatives in Saudi Arabia next week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Saturday. He emphasised the need for swift and effective action. His remarks follow last week’s tense 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 stated on the social media platform 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. Both Ukrainian and US representatives have indicated they will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a framework for ending the war.

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Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s ongoing pursuit of peace, stressing that “realistic proposals are on the table.”

The Ukrainian President announced his visit to Saudi Arabia next week, stating that after his meeting with the Crown Prince on Monday, Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives would remain for discussions with the US team on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Trump issued a strong warning, stating he is “strongly considering” large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia in connection with a potential peace deal with Ukraine.

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“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 wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also asserted that both Russia and Ukraine have no choice but to work toward 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 only I know, only I know, they have no choice either,” he told a reporter.

With agency inputs