U.S. Officials to Explore Ukraine’s Willingness for Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia

U.S. officials will meet Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to determine their openness to negotiating peace with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead discussions amid strained relations with Zelenskyy, who is committed to dialogue despite tensions over military aid and concessions. The outcome of these talks will be critical for future U.S.-Ukraine relations.

The United States will hold discussions in Saudi Arabia on March 11 to explore Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate an end to the ongoing war with Russia. U.S. officials, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aim to assess Ukraine’s readiness for a “realistic peace deal,” particularly in light of frustrations regarding territorial concessions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated a commitment to dialogue but has not directly attended the talks.

Rubio will be in Jeddah from March 10 to March 12, where he will engage with Ukrainian delegates while President Zelenskyy meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss potential pathways to peace. The U.S. administration has expressed a desire for all parties to strive for sustainable peace, with Trump reportedly keen on ending the conflict swiftly.

The talks come amid increasing tension between the U.S. and Ukraine, with Trump previously restricting military aid and limiting intelligence support due to perceived inaction from Kyiv regarding concessions. Zelenskyy reaffirmed his dedication to a peaceful resolution through open dialogue, underscoring the urgency for effective negotiations.

Amid these discussions, the state of U.S.-Ukraine relations has become strained, particularly following a recent Oval Office meeting which did not yield anticipated progress on negotiation leverage. Concerns have arisen as officials caution that any agreement should ensure a position of strength for Ukraine, given Russia’s persistent military aggression.

Another layer complicating the talks includes a stalled minerals deal, which would allow U.S. access to Ukrainian resources in exchange for security guarantees. Trump has indicated that such negotiations will depend on Ukraine demonstrating a sincere commitment to peace. The upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia are crucial for determining the administration’s future strategy in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In conclusion, the meetings in Saudi Arabia aim to clarify Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations with Russia. Tensions exist between the U.S. and Ukraine regarding military aid and concessions, while Zelenskyy’s commitment to dialogue remains strong. Factors such as the stalled minerals deal and Russian aggression will influence the talks, marking a pivotal moment for both diplomatic efforts and international relations in the region.

Original Source: san.com