Zelenskyy visits Saudi Arabia, Putin weighs G20 attendance

Diplomatic Outreach in the Middle East

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded a significant diplomatic mission in Saudi Arabia, having secured a €90 billion European Union loan. During his recent trip to Jeddah, he engaged in strategic discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting a collaborative effort in three critical domains: defense, energy, and infrastructure. Zelenskyy emphasized that the partnership aims to enhance Ukraine’s security posture through the export of its air defense expertise, bolster energy resilience amid ongoing challenges, and strengthen food security measures.

“There is a strategic security arrangement that we are actively developing across three key areas,” Zelenskyy noted on social media, underscoring the mutual benefits of the alliance.

This marks Zelenskyy’s second visit to the region in weeks, with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and national security adviser Rustem Umerov accompanying him. He reiterated the importance of the partnership, stating, “Today, we are advancing our agreements with Saudi Arabia in the areas of security, energy, and infrastructure,” and praised the “substantive cooperation” between the two nations.

Regional Tensions and Ukraine’s Role

Since the escalation of hostilities between the US and Iran, which led to drone strikes targeting Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern allies, Ukraine has intensified its diplomatic efforts in the Gulf. The country is offering its expertise in anti-drone warfare in exchange for financial and military backing against Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy stressed that “the strengthening is mutual,” noting Russia’s pursuit of global diplomatic rehabilitation, particularly with the support of a favorable US administration.

G20 Summit Uncertainty

Meanwhile, the Kremlin hinted at potential Russian involvement in the G20 summit in Miami. “President Putin may go to Miami as a member of the G20, or he may not go,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, leaving the possibility open for another Russian representative to attend. This follows reports from Reuters, which cited a US official, indicating Russia’s acceptance of the invitation to the December meeting. A State Department spokesperson confirmed, “Russia has been invited to all working-level meetings as a G20 member to date.”

“President [Donald] Trump has been clear that Russia is welcome to attend all G20 meetings,” the official added, as the US seeks to ensure a successful summit.

Despite Trump’s endorsement, the question remains whether Putin will attend personally. Since 2019, he has been absent from G20 gatherings due to the pandemic and his isolation following Ukraine’s invasion. However, his recent trip to Anchorage in August 2025 to meet Trump on US soil suggests a renewed willingness to engage internationally.

“He was very offended by that [expulsion from G8],” Trump remarked, suggesting the decision might have contributed to current tensions. “I doubt he’d come, to be honest with you.”

As Trump’s administration shows growing alignment with Russia, Ukraine continues to solidify ties with European partners. The EU’s approval of the €90 billion loan, which passed after Hungary’s electoral defeat, marks a crucial step in securing resources for military and energy preparedness. Zelenskyy acknowledged the support, stating, “This money is for our army, and we are ready to buy weapons with it, including air defense.”