U.S. and Ukraine Engage in Key Talks in Saudi Arabia to Address Conflict

Ukrainian and American officials will meet in Jeddah to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing war initiated by Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the need for Ukraine to make challenging concessions while signaling that similar expectations exist for Russia. Amid the talks, Ukraine is proposing a monitored partial ceasefire. These discussions come at a crucial time, juxtaposed with escalating military actions from Ukraine.

Ukrainian and American officials are convening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to engage in critical discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict stemming from Russia’s invasion. This meeting seeks to restore bilateral relations following tensions arising from an Oval Office meeting between Donald Trump, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance. Trump has publicly expressed that Kyiv is a significant obstacle to peace, leading to a hold on U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will head the U.S. delegation, emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s commitment to making difficult decisions during these discussions. Although President Zelenskyy will not be present at the talks, he has communicated his willingness for peace, contingent upon security assurances that deter future Russian aggression. In preparation for the discussions, Zelenskyy met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address conditions for terminating the war.

Zelenskyy articulated the necessity for initiatives such as the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children, which he believes are vital for fostering trust in diplomatic dialogues. He noted that a Ukrainian team would remain in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with American representatives and expressed hope for practical outcomes from the negotiations.

In attendance from the U.S. are Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, with Ukraine’s delegation featuring key officials including Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Amidst these dialogues, Trump’s administration is advocating for concessions from Kyiv, including a minerals-sharing agreement designed to offset U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Rubio acknowledged that similar difficult concessions will be required from Russia, though he did not specify potential demands. Ukraine is expected to propose a monitored partial ceasefire during discussions, particularly regarding long-range air strikes. However, the timeline for this ceasefire is yet to be determined.

As the talks commenced, Ukraine launched its most extensive drone assault on Russia to date. Russian officials reported that 337 drones were intercepted, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the lack of ongoing negotiations, suggesting that there was nothing to be disrupted as parties continue to assess Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks.

The upcoming talks in Jeddah represent a crucial attempt to navigate the complexities of the Ukraine conflict amid strained U.S.-Ukrainian relations. Secretary Rubio stresses the necessity for both sides to commit to challenging decisions for a potential peace agreement. With the looming proposals for ceasefire and security guarantees, the focus remains on establishing a framework to ensure a sustainable resolution to the hostilities. The unfolding events indicate a sensitive balance in negotiation dynamics that could significantly alter the trajectory of the conflict.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com