US to Evaluate Ukraine’s Peace Efforts and Trump Relations in Saudi Meeting
US officials aim to evaluate Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate concessions to Russia and improve ties with the Trump administration during the Saudi Arabia meeting. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the delegation, focusing on Ukraine’s commitment to a realistic peace. The talks coincide with a potential minerals deal contingent on Ukraine’s shown desire for peace.
United States officials are preparing for a meeting with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia, with the intention of assessing Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate concessions to Russia for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The officials will also evaluate Ukraine’s commitment to improving relations with the Trump administration following a previous contentious exchange between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to lead the discussions in Jeddah, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. The Ukrainian delegation will be spearheaded by Andriy Yermak, a senior advisor to President Zelenskiy. One official expressed, “You cannot say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything.'”
There is an underlying expectation for the upcoming talks to reveal Ukraine’s interest in achieving a pragmatic peace, rather than adhering strictly to territorial demands from 2014 or 2022. Zelenskiy, in a nightly address, affirmed his commitment to pursuing peace and anticipated fruitful outcomes from the meeting. He expressed hopes for advancements in both peace initiatives and continued support from the US.
European allies of Ukraine assert that a viable agreement with Russia must stem from a position of strength and warn against hasty negotiations with an aggressive adversary. Zelenskiy emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin may not genuinely seek peace, arguing that a failure to defeat Russia risks further aggression against European nations.
In recent weeks, former President Trump has indicated frustrations with Ukraine, stating the country is facing a depletion of manpower and resources, thereby necessitating urgent negotiations with Russia. His administration has reportedly restricted weapon shipments and intelligence sharing towards Ukraine, citing a lack of transparency from Ukraine regarding possible peace discussions. Trump claimed that the suspension of intelligence sharing is nearing conclusion.
Critics argue that the Trump administration’s measures may inadvertently prolong the conflict, thereby emboldening Russia and undermining prospects for a fair peace settlement. The situation on the ground reflects ongoing advances by Russian troops in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian forces that entered Russia’s Kursk region last summer face a perilous encirclement.
A spokesperson for the National Security Council, Brian Hughes, acknowledged recent positive developments in restoring US-Ukraine relations following tensions after Zelenskiy’s February meeting with Trump. Hughes expressed optimism as the Saudi Arabia talks approach, stating, “We look forward to hearing more positive movement that will hopefully and ultimately end this brutal war and bloodshed.”
Witkoff further indicated a desire to explore a ceasefire framework during the upcoming discussions. A significant aspect of the meeting will involve the potential minerals deal between the US and Ukraine, which includes a US security guarantee in exchange for access to certain mineral resources. Although delayed due to prior disagreements between Zelenskiy and Trump, both parties have indicated renewed interest in signing the agreement, contingent upon Ukraine demonstrating its commitment to peace. Trump remarked, “They will sign the minerals deal but I want them to want peace… They haven’t shown it to the extent they should.”
In summary, the forthcoming meeting between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia serves as a critical juncture in assessing Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia and improve relations with the Trump administration. As the conflict persists, both sides are urged to engage in discussions that may lead to a pragmatic peace agreement, particularly in light of recent tensions and evolving geopolitical dynamics. The outcome of these deliberations could significantly influence both military and diplomatic strategies moving forward.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
