US officials are set to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia during a meeting with its delegation in Saudi Arabia. The discussions will also focus on improving ties with the Trump administration following recent tensions. Successful negotiations are deemed essential for future peace efforts and regional stability, amidst ongoing military challenges.
United States officials are preparing for a meeting in Saudi Arabia with a Ukrainian delegation to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia to resolve the ongoing conflict. The meeting will also seek indicators of Ukraine’s intention to strengthen relations with former President Donald Trump’s administration after a recent disagreement between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to anonymous sources familiar with the discussions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to lead the delegation to Jeddah, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Andriy Yermak, a senior aide to President Zelenskiy, will represent Ukraine in these crucial talks. One US official remarked, “You can’t say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything.'”
Another official emphasized the need for a realistic approach, stating, “We want to see if the Ukrainians are interested not just in peace, but in a realistic peace.” They expressed concerns that if Ukraine solely demands the restoration of 2014 or 2022 borders, it may indicate an unwillingness to engage meaningfully in negotiations.
Meanwhile, President Trump expressed optimism regarding the upcoming talks, stating, “We’re going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week.” Zelenskiy, addressing his nation, mentioned his travel to Saudi Arabia to further the cause of peace, adding that he anticipated productive discussions with US officials concerning the continuation of support for Ukraine.
European allies of Ukraine contend that successful negotiations with Russia can only occur from a position of strength and warn against hastening Ukraine to negotiate with an aggressor. Zelenskiy maintains that President Putin does not seek peace and warns that further Russian aggression could extend beyond Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Trump has conveyed frustration with Ukraine’s current state, suggesting that its resources are dwindling and advocating for a swift return to the negotiation table with Russia. The Trump administration has recently curtailed arms shipments and intelligence support to Ukraine, attributing this decision to concerns over Ukraine’s openness to the peace process. Trump indicated on Sunday that intelligence sharing with Ukraine would soon resume.
Critics of Trump’s policies argue that these actions risk prolonging the conflict, potentially emboldening Russia and reducing the likelihood of a fair peace agreement. As Russian troops continue to gain ground in eastern Ukraine, the situation remains precarious for many Ukrainian forces.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes asserted that Zelenskiy’s efforts had positively impacted US-Ukraine relations since their contentious previous meeting. Mentioning recent remarks by Trump that suggested a thaw in relations, Hughes expressed hope for positive developments in the meetings in Saudi Arabia that could help conclude the ongoing conflict.
Witkoff has indicated a desire to discuss a framework for a ceasefire and peace agreement during the bilateral talks. Complicating the discussions is a minerals deal between the US and Ukraine, which involves a potential US security guarantee in exchange for access to valuable mineral resources. Although plans for the agreement dissolved following the February disagreement between Zelenskiy and Trump, both parties are now showing renewed interest in signing it, provided Ukraine demonstrates its commitment to pursuing peace.
In summary, the upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia signifies an important opportunity for the United States to gauge Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate with Russia and adapt its approach to relations with the Trump administration. With US officials’ expectations for tangible concessions and realistic peace terms, the outcomes of this dialogue will be vital in influencing future strategies for both Ukraine and the US regarding the ongoing conflict. The evolving geopolitical dynamics surrounding Ukraine’s security assurances and mineral resource negotiations remain integral to the peace process.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
