US and Ukraine Meeting in Saudi Arabia to Assess Peace Negotiations and Trump Relations
US officials plan to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia and its ties with the Trump administration during an upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leads the talks, which will address a potential minerals deal and prospects for peace. Optimism persists, but criticisms of Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate have emerged, emphasizing the need for a realistic approach.
United States officials plan to utilize a meeting with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to make substantial concessions to Russia to facilitate peace in the ongoing war. Two US officials indicated that they will also observe whether Ukraine aims to strengthen ties with the Trump administration after an argumentative meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy occurred last month.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Jeddah for bilateral discussions, leading a delegation that includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to President Zelenskiy, will head the Ukrainian team. One official emphasized the importance of realistic concessions, stating, “You cannot say ‘I want peace,’ and ‘I refuse to compromise on anything.'”
President Trump conveyed optimism regarding the meetings, expressing confidence in significant progress. President Zelenskiy, in his nightly address, confirmed his arrival in Saudi Arabia and expressed his commitment to working for peace, hoping for tangible results from discussions with US officials regarding support and peace.
European allies of Ukraine argue that an agreement can only be reached from a position of strength, and that haste in negotiations with an aggressor should be avoided. Zelenskiy criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his lack of desire for peace and predicted further aggression towards Europe unless Russia suffers a decisive defeat.
In recent weeks, President Trump has expressed frustration with Ukraine, contending that it faces a depletion of manpower and resources, urging Kyiv to engage in negotiations with Russia promptly. His administration has halted weapons shipments and some intelligence sharing with Ukraine, citing a perceived lack of openness from Kyiv towards the peace process.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes reported progress in the US-Ukraine relationship, noting a conciliatory message from Zelenskiy to Trump. During the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia, Witkoff aims to outline a framework for a potential ceasefire and peace agreement. The meetings will also address the ongoing negotiations regarding a minerals deal between the US and Ukraine, which would include security guarantees in exchange for access to mineral resources.
The signing of this deal remains pending after a recent fallout between President Trump and President Zelenskiy. Trump suggested that a commitment to peace is essential before Ukraine can sign the minerals agreement, citing a need for Ukraine to demonstrate its sincerity in pursuing peace.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between US officials and a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia focuses on evaluating Ukraine’s readiness to make concessions for peace with Russia, while also assessing the potential restoration of ties with the Trump administration. With discussions encompassing a minerals deal and the broader landscape of US support for Ukraine, the outcome may significantly impact the conflict. US officials stress the necessity of demonstrating a genuine commitment to peace from Ukraine during these critical discussions.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
