U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Jeddah: A Strategic Approach Toward Peace

American and Ukrainian officials are convening in Jeddah to strategize on ending the war with Russia, focusing on improving bilateral relations. Secretary Rubio emphasizes Ukraine’s need for difficult concessions, while Zelenskyy discusses potential ceasefire agreements and essential conditions for lasting peace.

On Tuesday, American and Ukrainian representatives convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss strategies for concluding Russia’s ongoing war, which has lasted for three years. This meeting aims to restore relations following tensions between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, particularly after last month’s controversial Oval Office meeting that prompted Trump to critique Kyiv’s role in the peace process and subsequently freeze military aid.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of Ukraine demonstrating readiness to undertake challenging decisions during the discussions. Conversely, President Zelenskyy has remained focused on achieving enduring peace, stating any arrangement must effectively deter future Russian aggression. Zelenskyy met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before the talks to discuss necessary conditions for peace.

Zelenskyy, who is not participating in the Jeddah talks, indicated he had productive discussions with the crown prince about trust-building measures, including the release of prisoners and the return of children. He expressed aspirations that the Ukrainian delegation will actively collaborate with the U.S. representatives to attain significant outcomes from the meetings, emphasizing Ukraine’s constructive position.

The U.S. delegation, led by Rubio, also includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukraine’s negotiating team features key members such as Andriy Yermak, chief of Zelenskyy’s office, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Yermak communicated via Telegram that their team was prepared to advocate for Ukrainian interests and establish a clear vision for ending the conflict.

The Trump administration has urged Kyiv to make specific concessions for a peace accord, along with agreeing to a contentious minerals-sharing agreement framed as a means to recover U.S. aid to Ukraine. Rubio acknowledged the necessity for difficult concessions from both the Russians and Ukrainians to facilitate a resolution.

A source close to Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine would suggest a partial ceasefire during the discussions, specifically targeting long-range airstrikes and maritime attacks. The source noted that the effectiveness of the proposed truce would depend on Russia’s response. Rubio commented on the potential of this proposal, referencing it as a meaningful step toward conflict resolution, albeit not the sole requirement.

Despite ongoing negotiations, Ukraine recently executed its significant drone assault into Russia, which officials claimed resulted in numerous intercepted drones and casualties. In response to inquiries regarding potential disruptions to the ceasefire discussions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, “There are no negotiations yet. So far the Americans, in their own words, are trying to understand how ready Ukraine is for peace talks.”

The Jeddah talks serve as a crucial juncture for U.S.-Ukraine relations, aiming to navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict with Russia. With Zelenskyy advocating for essential peace conditions and a proposal for a partial ceasefire, the discussions may pave the way for future negotiations. Both sides are urged to demonstrate willingness for difficult compromises, highlighting the urgency for resolution amidst ongoing hostilities.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com