US and Ukraine to Address Relations in Saudi Arabia Following White House Clash

The US and Ukraine plan to meet in Saudi Arabia after strained relations due to a clash between Trump and Zelenskiy. The talks aim to assess Ukraine’s potential concessions to expedite peace with Russia, amidst a shift in US policy and ongoing territorial conflict.

Following a tense clash between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last month, US and Ukrainian officials are set to convene in Saudi Arabia. This meeting aims to restore diplomatic relations and explore what concessions Ukraine may be willing to make as Trump seeks a swift resolution to the conflict with Russia.

With the US changing its stance to push for rapid peace, Trump has directly engaged with Moscow, interrupted military aid to Ukraine, and halted intelligence sharing. This shift has complicated Ukraine’s position and its negotiations for continued support, particularly regarding a minerals deal essential to offset the $65 billion in military assistance provided over the past three years.

Under significant pressure from the United States, Zelenskiy emphasizes Ukraine’s commitment to ending the conflict, even though he failed to secure security guarantees in the proposed minerals agreement. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the need for a mutual understanding of potential concessions needed from both parties to achieve a ceasefire.

Rubio will be accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz in discussions with senior Ukrainian officials, while President Zelenskiy is engaged in separate meetings and will not attend. Amid cautious optimism, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, expressed hope for the minerals deal’s completion.

Ukraine’s European allies caution against hastily negotiating peace with Russia, insisting that Ukraine must retain a position of strength. Zelenskiy warned that Russia might extend its aggression towards other European nations if it emerges victorious against Ukraine. Rubio acknowledged the challenges Ukraine faces in regaining lost territory, particularly given that Russia currently occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea, annexed in 2014.

The upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia represent a critical juncture in US-Ukrainian relations and the broader conflict with Russia. The US is navigating a delicate balance between encouraging Ukraine to make concessions and avoiding a premature resolution that could empower the aggressor. With major stakes in continued support and regional stability, both parties must grapple with complex territorial and diplomatic issues as they pursue peace.

Original Source: kathmandupost.com