U.S. Officials to Pursue Peace Talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia Meeting
U.S. officials will meet Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia on March 11 to explore peace negotiations with Russia amid tensions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leads the delegation without Zelenskyy, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to be open to concessions. Ahead of the talks, Zelenskyy expresses commitment to dialogue, while U.S. frustrations grow over Ukraine’s stance on territorial claims.
U.S. officials are set to meet Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia on March 11 to explore the potential for negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting follows a period of tension between the Trump administration and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid frustrations over Ukraine’s reluctance to yield territorial claims. The U.S. is eager to gauge whether Ukraine is willing to engage in what they call a “realistic peace deal.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanying National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, will lead the discussions. While Zelenskyy will not be present at the talks, he is sending a delegation of high-level diplomats, including his chief of staff. Prior to the meetings, Zelenskyy affirmed Ukraine’s readiness for dialogue, indicating that “realistic proposals are on the table.”
The U.S. has expressed discontent with Ukraine’s stance on territorial negotiations and has recently curtailed military aid and intelligence sharing. Officials from the Trump administration hope to see significant movement towards compromise from Ukraine, as Zelenskyy seeks acknowledgment of Ukraine’s need to maintain a strong position against increases in Russian aggression.
The upcoming discussions occur in the context of a broader U.S.-Ukraine relationship fraught with tension, particularly following a previous Oval Office meeting where President Trump advised Zelenskyy about Ukraine’s negotiating power. European allies of Ukraine caution against pressuring Kyiv into concessions that could undermine their position against Russia, emphasizing the need for negotiations from a place of strength.
In addition to these political discussions, a potential minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine remains unresolved. This agreement would allow U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees, and Trump insists that the U.S. will only finalize the deal once confidence in Ukraine’s commitment to peace is established. Meanwhile, as military support from the U.S. is paused, increasing diplomatic pressures require Ukraine to balance its negotiation tactics while maintaining its defensive capabilities against Russia.
The focal point of the Saudi Arabian meetings will be the assessment of Ukraine’s willingness to enter a peace framework. With discussions anticipated to influence future U.S. policy, it remains crucial to observe this week’s developments as they will offer insights on the administration’s approach to the conflict going forward.
The U.S. seeks to engage in constructive dialogue with Ukraine regarding ending the war with Russia, highlighted by an upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia. U.S. officials are specifically looking to understand Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate, amid strained relations and ongoing territorial disputes. Although Zelenskyy maintains a commitment to dialogue, he faces pressure from U.S. officials who are concerned that Ukraine’s lack of concessions may impede peace efforts. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape future U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Original Source: san.com
