US to Evaluate Ukraine’s Peace Strategy and Relations with Trump in Saudi Meeting

US officials are meeting with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia to assess willingness for peace concessions to Russia. The focus is on improving ties with the Trump administration and negotiating from a position of strength. Trump expresses optimism for progress, while Zelenskiy emphasizes the need for effective support and peace negotiations. A minerals deal hangs in the balance, with both parties showing renewed interest despite past tensions.

US officials are gearing up for a meeting with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia to conclude the ongoing war. This meeting will focus on Ukraine’s stance on peace negotiations and relationship improvement with the Trump administration, especially following a recent contentious meeting between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the US delegation to Jeddah, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff. The discussions aim to ascertain Ukraine’s interest in achieving a realistic peace, rather than maintaining an unwavering claim over borders from 2014 or 2022.

Trump expressed confidence regarding the upcoming negotiations, asserting potential positive outcomes. President Zelenskiy, prior to his departure to Saudi Arabia, remarked on the importance of these discussions surrounding peace and ongoing support for Ukraine.

European allies of Ukraine emphasize that Kyiv must negotiate from a position of strength, arguing that rushing to negotiate would be unwise. Zelenskiy has contended that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not genuinely interested in peace, predicting further aggression towards Europe should Ukraine not face decisive defeat in the war.

In recent weeks, Trump has voiced concerns about Ukraine’s dwindling military resources and the necessity for Kyiv to engage in peace talks with Russia. This has been reflected in his administration’s measures to limit military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Critics argue that these actions may inadvertently prolong the conflict by empowering Russia.

Within the context of this diplomatic meeting, discussions will also include a minerals deal between the US and Ukraine, which would involve security guarantees in return for resource access. The signing of this agreement has faced delays attributed to the previous tense exchanges between Trump and Zelenskiy, though both sides appear ready to revisit this prospect.

Formal statements from the National Security Council noted Zelenskiy’s efforts to mend US-Ukraine relations, calling for constructive future talks to potentially end the ongoing conflict. Underpinning the discussions in Saudi Arabia is the urgent need for a concrete path toward peace that satisfies both parties involved, making the stakes in Jeddah particularly significant.

The forthcoming meeting between US officials and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia is poised to address crucial issues regarding Ukraine’s approach to peace negotiations with Russia. The emphasis will be placed on whether Ukraine is prepared to make necessary concessions, alongside the exploration of improving relations with the Trump administration. Amid ongoing military challenges and diplomatic tensions, the discussions will aim to pave a pathway to a feasible resolution, including potential agreements on mineral resources, signaling a pivotal moment for peace efforts and international relations.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com