American and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Jeddah to seek solutions for ending the ongoing war with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes the need for Ukraine to make significant concessions, while President Zelenskyy insists on safeguards against future aggression. The talks occur against the backdrop of recent tensions between U.S. and Ukrainian leadership and coincide with military developments following Ukraine’s extensive drone attacks.
On Tuesday, American and Ukrainian officials convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strategies for concluding Russia’s ongoing war, amidst a backdrop of deteriorating relations between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The talks aim to reset diplomatic ties following Trump’s recent critical remarks toward Kyiv, labeling it as a barrier to peace and suspending military assistance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio underscored the importance of demonstrating Ukraine’s willingness to make significant concessions during the discussions. President Zelenskyy has expressed readiness for peace, emphasizing that any agreement must safeguard against future Russian actions. He recently engaged in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the necessary conditions for achieving enduring peace.
Zelenskyy confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation would remain in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with the U.S. team. He stated hopes for productive outcomes from the joint meeting, affirming that Ukraine would approach negotiations constructively. The U.S. delegation, led by Rubio, includes officials such as National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Ukraine’s negotiating team will consist of high-ranking officials, including Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The talks coincide with efforts from Trump’s administration to urge Kyiv toward concessions, including a controversial minerals agreement, intended to recuperate billions of dollars in U.S. aid.
A source revealed that Ukraine plans to propose a monitored partial ceasefire that would halt long-range airstrikes and naval attacks, although the timeline for this ceasefire remains unsettled. Rubio encouraged the proposal, describing it as a necessary step toward resolving the conflict.
The dialogue proceeded shortly after Ukraine conducted its most extensive drone operation against Russia, which Russian officials reported resulted in the downing of hundreds of drones. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented that no negotiations were currently underway, asserting that the Americans were simply gauging Ukraine’s readiness for talks.
In conclusion, the forthcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Ukrainian officials represent a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Both parties aim for substantial concessions, particularly emphasizing Ukraine’s willingness to facilitate peace through dialogs, while concurrently navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. The proposed partial ceasefire and ongoing military negotiations underscore the urgent need for a resolution to this protracted conflict.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
