Zelenskyy, Saudi crown prince agree to coordinate peace efforts

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that he and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had agreed to coordinate all necessary efforts to end the war with Russia, following their recent talks.

Zelenskyy informed the crown prince of Ukraine's diplomatic contacts and emphasized that "now is the moment when there is a real chance to achieve peace," but that it must be "real and lasting" with security guarantees in place for Ukraine and Europe.

He said both sides agree that no decisions should be made without Ukraine and European nations and thanked the Saudi leader for his "absolutely clear" support for this position and willingness to contribute to peace efforts.

The two also discussed joint projects to strengthen bilateral ties, with their teams set to work out the details.

Saudi Arabia has hosted previous rounds of international talks on Ukraine, seeking to play a mediating role in ending the conflict.