Saudi Arabia’s hosting of top American and Russian officials for a high-stakes rapprochement meeting underlines the kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he had postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia planned for Wednesday and that talks on how to end the war with Russia could not be held behind Ukraine's back.

Saudi Arabia is hosting talks between Russia and the United States to end the war in Ukraine. Experts see the event as part of Riyadh’s effort to assume a central role in international diplomacy.