U.S. Officials to Discuss Peace with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia Meeting

U.S. officials will meet Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to explore the latter’s openness to peace negotiations with Russia. Key figures include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Tensions linger due to Ukraine’s reluctance to make territorial concessions, as the Trump administration pushes for a realistic peace deal while emphasizing the need for progress.

U.S. officials are set to meet with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia on March 11 to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Amid these discussions, the Trump administration is seeking what they describe as a “realistic peace deal” due to increasing frustrations over Ukraine’s reluctance to accept territorial concessions, which has resulted in halted military aid from the U.S.

During this meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the delegation, alongside National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Notably, President Zelenskyy will not be present, but will be represented by senior diplomatic officials.

Prior to the U.S. meeting, President Zelenskyy is scheduled to speak with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the conflict and potentially pave the way for peace. Rubio has emphasized the importance of achieving sustainable peace through dialogue, reflecting on Trump’s commitment to resolving the conflict efficiently.

Despite tensions in U.S.-Ukraine relations following a recent meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President remains dedicated to dialogue. Zelenskyy noted that “realistic proposals are on the table” and insists on quick action towards resolution.

Underlying the peace negotiations is a stalled minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine that would provide the U.S. access to Ukrainian resources in return for security assurances. While Trump believes negotiations for this deal can proceed, he wants to see Ukraine demonstrate its seriousness regarding peace talks.

The U.S. delegation aims to assess Ukraine’s readiness for potential peace frameworks while also considering new sanctions against Russia. With military support on standby, Ukraine must balance diplomatic efforts with its position in ongoing military engagements. The Saudi Arabia talks will be critical in determining the U.S. strategy regarding the conflict moving forward.

In summary, U.S. officials are poised to gauge Ukraine’s readiness for peace negotiations with Russia during a meeting in Saudi Arabia. The Trump administration’s recent frustrations over Ukraine’s territorial demands are leading to an emphasis on finding a realistic peace deal. Despite tensions, Ukraine has expressed a commitment to dialogue, indicating proposals are available for review. Future U.S. strategies and sanctions may hinge on the outcomes of these discussions.

Original Source: san.com