U.S. to Evaluate Ukraine’s Peace Negotiations in Saudi Arabia Meeting
The U.S. will assess Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate peace with Russia during talks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on concessions and relations with the Trump administration. Key figures include Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Adviser Waltz, while Zelenskiy aims for beneficial outcomes amidst ongoing challenges. The fate of a minerals deal and U.S. support hangs in balance as discussions progress.
U.S. officials are set to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia in hopes of ending the ongoing war. This meeting is also an opportunity to gauge Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen relations with the Trump administration following a contentious previous meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will lead the U.S. delegation, while Andriy Yermak, a leading aide to Zelenskiy, will head the Ukrainian side. U.S. officials are particularly interested in whether Ukraine is open to a realistic peace agreement or insists on pre-2014 or pre-2022 territorial lines, which could hinder potential progress.
Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming talks, indicating a belief that significant advancements could be made. Zelenskiy has also reiterated his commitment to pursuing peace during his visit to Saudi Arabia, aiming for fruitful discussions that would balance peace efforts with ongoing support from the U.S.
European allies of Ukraine insist on a negotiation stance rooted in strength, cautioning against hasty agreements with aggressors. Zelenskiy maintains that Russian aggression threatens not only Ukraine but could extend to other European countries if unchecked.
Trump has criticized Ukraine’s situation, stating it is facing manpower shortages and pressing for an expedited peace dialogue with Russia. His administration has recently curtailed weapons supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, claiming insufficient Ukrainian openness to negotiations.
Despite these challenges, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes noted progress in U.S.-Ukraine relationships since Zelenskiy’s previously tumultuous meeting with Trump. Hughes expressed hopes that the Jeddah meetings would unveil pathways towards ending conflict. Additionally, discussions will potentially include a framework for ceasefire agreements.
The outcome of a crucial minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, previously set to be signed during Zelenskiy’s visit, remains pending due to earlier tensions. While both parties have shown renewed interest in this accord, Trump emphasizes that Ukraine must show genuine desire for peace before finalizing any agreements.
The U.S.-Ukraine meetings in Saudi Arabia aim to evaluate Ukraine’s readiness for peace negotiations with Russia and their efforts to mend relations with the Trump administration. As both parties express optimism about the potential for an agreement, significant geopolitical implications depend on Ukraine’s negotiating position and response to concessions. The outcome of this meeting will likely influence both immediate diplomatic relations and the broader context of the conflict.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
