U.S. officials aim to assess Ukraine’s willingness to compromise for peace with Russia during a meeting in Saudi Arabia. Key discussions will focus on improving relations with the Trump administration and evaluating a minerals deal linked to U.S. support. The upcoming talks may determine future negotiations and the conflict’s trajectory.
United States officials are set to engage in discussions with a Ukrainian delegation during a meeting in Saudi Arabia scheduled for Tuesday. The primary aim is to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to offer significant concessions to Russia in pursuit of peace. Additionally, U.S. delegates will assess Ukraine’s intentions to improve relations with the Trump administration following a recent contentious meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, will undertake the trip to Jeddah. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to President Zelenskiy. One U.S. official emphasized the importance of not merely expressing a desire for peace without a willingness to compromise, stating, “You cannot say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything.'”
Simultaneously, President Trump expressed hope for productive outcomes from the upcoming talks, suggesting significant progress might be achieved. President Zelenskiy stated his intent to continue pursuing peace, emphasizing the dual objectives of advancing peace efforts and sustaining ongoing support from the U.S.
Ukraine’s allies in Europe maintain that any agreements with Russia must be approached from a position of strength, discouraging rushed negotiations. President Zelenskiy cautioned that President Putin remains uninterested in peace and could pose threats to other European nations if Ukraine’s resistance continues to falter.
In prior separate bilateral discussions this year, U.S. officials met with Russian counterparts in Riyadh to withstand the freeze in relations experienced during President Biden’s administration. There have been rumors regarding the potential erosion of U.S. military support for Ukraine under Trump’s leadership, as he has criticized Kyiv for lacking openness towards peace negotiations. Nonetheless, Trump mentioned that there had been some progress in resuming intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Reports indicate that Russian troops are steadily advancing in eastern Ukraine while Ukrainian forces face significant challenges. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes noted positive developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations following improved communications between President Zelenskiy and President Trump. He expressed hope that the upcoming meetings would pave the way for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.
The future of a key minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine is also a point of contention, with Ukraine seeking a U.S. security guarantee in exchange for access to mineral resources. Initially set to be signed during Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington, the agreement was not concluded following the tumultuous meeting with Trump. Nonetheless, both parties have shown renewed interest in finalizing the deal, contingent on Ukraine’s commitment to peace, as articulated by Trump.
In summary, the upcoming U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia are crucial for evaluating Ukraine’s readiness for concessions in negotiating peace with Russia. Key figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will assess the seriousness of Ukraine’s efforts to mend ties with the Trump administration and examine the potential for a new minerals deal encompassing a security guarantee. As tensions continue in Ukraine, these talks could significantly influence the shape of future peace negotiations.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
