The U.S. will assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions for peace with Russia during a meeting in Saudi Arabia. The talks will also focus on improving ties with the Trump administration, following previous tensions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead a team in discussions on peace and a potential minerals deal, amid concerns about Ukraine’s military situation and diplomatic relations.
U.S. officials are preparing for a meeting with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to concede to Russia in order to attain peace. The assessment will also focus on Ukraine’s aspirations to improve relations with the Trump administration following a contentious interaction between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy last month.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to lead the U.S. delegation to Jeddah, joined by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. One U.S. official emphasized, “You cannot say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything’,” indicating the necessity for realistic concessions to achieve progress.
President Zelenskiy has expressed optimism regarding the negotiations, stating, “This concerns both, bringing peace closer and continuing support.” He will arrive in Saudi Arabia to further these discussions. Meanwhile, Trump’s remarks suggest he anticipates significant advancements during the talks, highlighting the complexities involved in achieving a peace agreement.
European allies of Ukraine assert that a fair agreement can only emerge from a position of strength, advocating against hastily convening negotiations with Russia. Zelenskiy has cautioned that Russian President Putin does not seek peace and may escalate aggression if Ukraine does not secure a decisive victory.
Recent weeks have witnessed Trump voicing criticism towards Ukraine, mentioning concerns over manpower and resource depletion. His administration has reportedly limited military and intelligence support to Ukraine amid frustrations regarding Ukraine’s openness to peace negotiations. However, he noted potential resumption of intelligence sharing, suggesting a complex diplomatic landscape.
As Russian forces maintain slow progress in eastern Ukraine, the importance of maintaining a strong negotiating position for Ukraine remains paramount. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes noted that Zelenskiy has made strides in mending U.S.-Ukraine relations since the previous disagreements.
The meeting in Saudi Arabia will also address a potential minerals deal tied to U.S. security assurances, which was postponed after the fallout between Zelenskiy and Trump. Although there is renewed interest from both sides to finalize the agreement, Trump insists he wants to see genuine intentions for peace from Ukraine prior to signing.
In summary, the upcoming discussions serve as a crucial moment for evaluating Ukraine’s stance on peace negotiations with Russia and the dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations under the Trump administration.
The U.S.-Ukraine meeting in Saudi Arabia represents a pivotal moment in gauging Ukraine’s commitment to peace negotiations with Russia while simultaneously redefining its relationship with the Trump administration. With discussions about concessions, military support, and a potential minerals deal on the table, the outcomes of this dialogue could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict and shape future diplomatic efforts. Maintaining a strong negotiating position remains critical as international concerns about regional stability continue to mount.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
