In the midst of summer, Zelensky and Bin Salman convene in Jeddah, aiming to achieve a 'just peace' in the Ukrainian war.
A few weeks ago, we reported on the success of the Russia-Africa Forum in St. Petersburg, where over 50 official delegations, 17 heads of state, and numerous media outlets gathered. All of this amidst a summer backdrop and in a context of ongoing military escalation since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
While Moscow, led by Vladimir Putin, sought to solidify its role in Africa, the Middle East, and other Southeast Asian countries in various multilateral summits at the aforementioned forum, Kiev has embarked on its own diplomatic counteroffensive with a tour of the Middle East.
Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a few weeks ago. More than 30 Western delegations, including the United States, as well as countries increasingly crucial to the geopolitical stage, such as Brazil and India, joined this initial bilateral summit.