U.S. to Evaluate Ukraine’s Peace Commitments in Jeddah Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah to assess Ukraine’s commitment to realistic peace negotiations with Russia. The talks are framed around Ukraine’s position of strength and the need for sincerity in pursuing peace. Events also include discussions on a significant minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine which remains unsigned due to previous tensions.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Jeddah on Sunday for crucial discussions with Ukrainian officials, led by Andriy Yermak, an aide to President Zelenskiy. Alongside Rubio will be National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and former Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. U.S. officials have expressed the need to evaluate Ukraine’s genuine interest in achieving a realistic peace rather than simply seeking the restoration of past borders from either 2014 or 2022.

The U.S. administration has indicated that genuine peace negotiations require Ukraine to be in a position of strength against Russia. Ukrainian allies are advocating that Kyiv should avoid expedited negotiations with Russia unless it is strategically advantageous. President Zelenskiy has asserted that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions do not align with peace and that a successful invasion of Ukraine could lead to further aggression against European nations.

Recently, U.S. officials held separate discussions with their Russian counterparts in Riyadh. These talks were aimed at reestablishing official relations that had been largely halted during the Biden administration. Former President Trump has voiced criticism regarding Ukraine’s military status, suggesting that a quick return to negotiations is necessary. Recently, his administration suspended certain support measures, arguing that Ukraine has not demonstrated sufficient commitment to peace discussions.

Despite Trump’s frustration with Ukraine, reports indicate that Zelenskiy has made strides in improving U.S.-Ukraine relations following a tense meeting in February. This included Trump’s recent acknowledgment of a conciliatory note from Zelenskiy. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes expressed optimism about upcoming meetings in Saudi Arabia and their potential impact on concluding the ongoing conflict.

Furthermore, discussions in Jeddah may also address a minerals deal involving U.S. security guarantees for access to mineral resources in Ukraine. Initially planned to be signed during Zelenskiy’s previous visit to Washington, the accord remains unsigned following the fallout between Trump and Zelenskiy. While Trump has indicated a belief that Ukraine will ultimately sign the deal, he has emphasized the importance of Ukrainian sincerity in pursuing peace.

In summary, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming discussions with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah represent a significant effort to ascertain Ukraine’s commitment to a realistic peace strategy in their ongoing conflict with Russia. As geopolitical tensions persist, the emphasis on Ukraine needing to approach negotiations from a position of strength remains critical. The potential minerals deal further highlights the complex dynamics of U.S.-Ukraine relations, necessitating genuine intentions from Ukraine to engage in peace.

Original Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com