U.S. officials will meet with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to gauge their willingness to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other U.S. leaders will press for a realistic peace deal amid strained relations due to Ukraine’s resistance to territorial concessions. Zelenskyy remains committed to dialogue, while European allies caution against undue pressure.
U.S. officials will engage in discussions in Saudi Arabia on March 11, examining Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Trump administration is advocating for a realistic peace deal, amid tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has shown reluctance to concede territorial claims to Russia. This meeting is significant for gauging Ukraine’s openness to dialogue despite previous U.S. frustrations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be in Jeddah from March 10 to March 12, where he will meet with Ukrainian representatives. Though President Zelenskyy will not attend these talks, he is expected to discuss the conflict with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Rubio has emphasized the shared goal of achieving sustainable peace, reflecting Trump’s urgent desire to end the war swiftly.
Ahead of these negotiations, Zelenskyy has reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to open dialogue, stating the need for realistic proposals and a decisive approach to peace. He is delegating high-level officials to meet with the U.S. team. These talks will also reveal how international dynamics may be influencing Ukraine’s position in potential negotiations.
Relations between the U.S. and Ukraine have shown signs of stress following a recent meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, where the U.S. President expressed concerns over Ukraine’s ability to negotiate effectively against Russia’s military capabilities. American officials stress the necessity for Ukraine to demonstrate a willingness to compromise to facilitate progress in discussions.
Compounding these tensions is a stalled minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine that was anticipated during Zelenskyy’s earlier visit to Washington. Trump has stated that the U.S. will proceed with this deal once Ukraine demonstrates a stronger commitment towards achieving peace. The outcome of the Saudi talks may determine the future of U.S. support and engagement in the conflict.
The upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia are crucial for evaluating Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate peace with Russia under U.S. facilitation. Amid challenging relations with the Trump administration and a clear reluctance to make significant territorial concessions, the outcomes of these talks could shape the future U.S. support for Ukraine and impact ongoing military dynamics. The emphasis on realistic proposals and the potential resumption of a minerals deal will be essential factors in determining diplomatic progress.
Original Source: san.com
