France, March 10 -- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is due in Saudi Arabia on Monday as Riyadh seeks to rebrand itself as a global mediator. By engaging Kyiv, Moscow and Washington, the country is eager to shift its image from repression to diplomacy, leveraging its global ties to shape conflict resolution efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (known as MBS) brings into focus Riyadh's growing influence as a diplomatic player.

Once seen as a regional powerhouse focused on oil and security, Saudi Arabia is carving out a role as a mediator in international conflicts, leveraging its unique global ties, despite its controversial human rights record.

The...