Saudi Arabia will host key talks between the US and Ukraine amid tensions following a contentious meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump. These discussions aim to secure military assistance for Ukraine and may influence the peace process amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Saudi Arabia’s role emphasizes its status as a neutral mediator in international diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia will host pivotal discussions between the United States and Ukraine on Tuesday, following a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump. These talks are crucial as they come after an intense argument during Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the White House, where Trump reprimanded Zelenskyy about the potential risks tied to Ukraine’s actions amid the ongoing war with Russia.
The discussions arise from events on February 28, when Zelenskyy met with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. During the confrontation, Trump accused Zelenskyy of gambling with global peace, which caused Zelenskyy to leave Washington without finalizing an agreement for the US to access Ukraine’s rare earth minerals—vital for securing continued military assistance from the US amid Russia’s ongoing aggression since its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The upcoming talks will occur in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a city known for its diplomatic history. The Saudi Foreign Ministry has highlighted its continuing commitment to peace efforts over the past three years. The specific reason for the selection of Jeddah as the venue remains unclear, yet it has hosted significant diplomatic meetings before.
Zelenskyy will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday, traveling with a delegation that includes his chief of staff, Foreign Minister, and Defence Minister. On the US side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the delegation and is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Rubio has underscored the urgent need for a sustainable peace, as aligned with Trump’s intention to conclude the conflict.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has emerged as a key diplomatic figure, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s role on the global stage despite prior controversies. The kingdom has engaged in mediating various conflicts and maintained relations with Russia through OPEC+, thus further establishing its position as a neutral party in high-level negotiations.
The outcome of these talks may significantly impact the course of the war. While Trump aims to foster peace, his tactics have involved withholding intelligence from Ukraine, complicating matters. A successful negotiation might catalyze broader peace discussions, yet skepticism persists among European nations excluded from these talks, prompting increased defense spending and security funding within the EU.
The upcoming US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia are crucial, following a contentious exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump. The meeting aims to solidify military assistance for Ukraine and may expedite peace negotiations amid the ongoing conflict. Hosting these discussions in Jeddah underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a neutral mediator, while the outcomes could influence the future trajectory of the war, balancing the interests of various geopolitical players.
Original Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
