U.S. and Ukrainian officials will convene in Jeddah to discuss strategies for resolving the conflict with Russia, following recent tensions between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stresses the importance of Ukraine’s readiness for difficult concessions while Zelenskyy insists on a secure peace framework. A proposed monitored partial ceasefire and discussions on a minerals agreement are expected to feature prominently in the talks.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials are convening in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to engage in pivotal discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia three years ago. These talks are framed as a vehicle to reset relations between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, following tensions that arose from an Oval Office meeting last month, wherein Trump criticized Ukraine and suspended military aid.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to exhibit readiness to undertake difficult decisions throughout the discussions. While President Zelenskyy has asserted his commitment to peace, he insists that any agreements must ensure deterrent measures against subsequent Russian offensives. Notably, Zelenskyy is not participating in the talks directly but has conferred with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on essential strategies for achieving lasting peace.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Andriy Yermak, will actively collaborate with the U.S. team to safeguard Ukrainian interests. They aim to finalize a constructive approach in the discussions, underscoring their preparedness to tackle significant issues, including security guarantees and the release of prisoners. Concurrently, Trump’s administration is advocating for concessions from Kyiv, tying discussions of a peace deal to a proposed minerals sharing agreement.
A source close to Zelenskyy has indicated that Ukraine intends to propose a monitored partial ceasefire during the meetings, specifically concerning long-range air strikes and maritime attacks. Although the parameters for this truce remain uncertain, there is expressed optimism regarding its potential effectiveness. Rubio noted that while the ceasefire proposal reflects a needed concession, discussions also encompass the ongoing mineral deal, which is important but not the primary focus of the agenda.
The discussions commenced amidst heightened conflict, marked by a significant drone attack by Ukraine against Russia, which elicited defensive actions from Russian forces. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov remarked that, as of yet, actual negotiations have not commenced, thereby suggesting that the recent attacks were not aimed at disrupting any ongoing talks.
The upcoming talks in Jeddah represent a crucial opportunity for both U.S. and Ukrainian officials to realign strategies toward ending the conflict with Russia. Emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness to undertake substantial negotiations and concessions, the delegation seeks to establish a conducive framework for achieving a sustainable peace. At the same time, discussions surrounding a potential ceasefire and the contentious minerals agreement highlight the complexities of the negotiating process.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
