U.S. officials are to meet with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to gauge Ukraine’s openness to negotiating peace with Russia. The meeting, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, follows tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine over territorial concessions and military aid. President Zelenskyy remains committed to dialogue, while European allies advise against undue pressure on Kyiv.
U.S. officials plan to convene in Saudi Arabia to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations with Russia on March 11. The meeting, guided by the Trump administration’s aim for a “realistic peace deal,” occurs amidst tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, particularly regarding Ukraine’s resistance to making territorial concessions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the delegation, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Zelenskyy will not be personally present at the talks, as he is meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman simultaneously. This diplomatic dialogue is vital for addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia and achieving durable peace.
Prior to the meeting, President Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to dialogue via social media, emphasizing the necessity of making “realistic proposals” and acting swiftly to end the conflict. European allies have urged caution against pressuring Ukraine into unwanted concessions, taking note of Russia’s military strength.
Tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have escalated recently, particularly following an unproductive meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy in February. Trump signaled his frustrations by halting military aid and limiting intelligence sharing, indicating he is looking for improvements in Ukrainian cooperation and commitment to peace efforts.
In parallel, a stalled minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine is a pivotal concern. The deal, intended to allow U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees, remains unsigned. Trump articulated that finalizing this deal is contingent on Ukraine proving its seriousness in pursuing peace negotiations.
The upcoming high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia will significantly influence U.S. engagement strategies regarding Ukraine while assessing Kyiv’s readiness for potential peace settlements. With U.S. military support currently halted, Ukraine faces increasing pressure as it strives to maintain a favorable position both diplomatically and on the battlefield.
In summary, U.S. officials are set to engage Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace negotiations with Russia amid growing tensions and a strained relationship between the Trump administration and President Zelenskyy. The outcome of these discussions will influence future U.S. strategies, especially with the backdrop of ongoing military support challenges and stalled agreements. It remains to be seen whether Ukraine will comply with U.S. expectations for a realistic peace proposal.
Original Source: san.com
