President Trump anticipates fruitful negotiations with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, set for March 11, exploring concessions and a minerals extraction deal. Despite optimism, recent US aid suspension complicates matters, highlighting the need for a comprehensive resolution for renewed support.
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism regarding upcoming negotiations with Ukraine taking place in Saudi Arabia on March 11, emphasizing that he expects significant progress. The discussions aim to explore Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia to bring an end to the ongoing war. “We’re going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week,” Trump stated.
In addition to peace talks, the meeting is set to address an agreement focusing on the extraction of minerals, which would provide the US with access to Ukraine’s rare earth resources. Trump noted, “They will sign the minerals deal. But I want them to want peace.”
Amidst these negotiations, the United States has recently halted military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine, largely attributed to a disagreement between Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a White House meeting on February 28. Trump has since expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to sustain itself without US military backing and is advocating for the cessation of the conflict.
Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia today for an official visit, where discussions between the Ukrainian and US delegations will consider renewing aid to Kyiv. However, US officials have indicated that deals regarding rare earth minerals alone will not compel Trump to resume military and intelligence support.
In summary, President Trump is hopeful for productive outcomes in the upcoming negotiations with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, focusing on potential concessions and mineral extraction agreements. However, the recent suspension of military aid complicates the situation, with officials stressing that a mineral deal alone is insufficient for resuming aid. As both delegations prepare to meet, the potential for peace and renewed support remains a critical point of discussion.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
