U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Ukrainian officials, led by Andriy Yermak, in Jeddah to discuss Ukraine’s stance on peace. Trump expressed optimism about the talks, while officials are assessing Ukraine’s willingness for a realistic peace. The discussions also involve a pending minerals deal that could include U.S. security guarantees. Critics warn of risks prolonging the conflict due to Trump’s recent actions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will arrive in Jeddah on Sunday for discussions with Ukrainian officials, notably Andriy Yermak, a senior adviser to President Zelenskiy. Accompanying Rubio will be National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. One official indicated, “You can’t say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything'” about the upcoming meetings.
Another U.S. official emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to demonstrate interest in a realistic peace, rather than solely focusing on borders from 2014 or 2022. The talks aim to assess if Ukraine’s intentions for peace align with practical outcomes, moving beyond idealistic expectations.
Former President Trump has voiced optimism about achieving progress in these discussions, stating, “We’re going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week,” while accompanying reporters during travel. This sentiment reflects a belief that successful negotiations require Ukraine to assert itself from a strong position against Russia.
European allies of Ukraine maintain that only significant leverage will allow for a fruitful agreement with Russia. President Zelenskiy has stressed that Putin’s intentions toward peace remain dubious, suggesting ongoing aggression should Ukraine not face a decisive military defeat.
Previous U.S.-Russia dialogues in Riyadh, held earlier this year, focused on reestablishing relations after a standstill during Biden’s presidency. Trump’s recent frustration with Ukraine pertains to its dwindling resources and manpower, urging for expedited negotiations with Russia. He noted a near-resumption of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, stating, “we’ve just about ended the suspension of intelligence sharing.”
Critics of Trump’s approach warn that his actions may extend the conflict, enabling Russia’s military advantage, thus complicating peace efforts. Reports indicate that Russian forces have been gaining ground in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops from last summer’s offensive are facing encirclement.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes acknowledged that Zelenskiy had made strides in mending U.S.-Ukraine ties following a contentious prior meeting. Hughes expressed hope for productive outcomes from the meetings in Saudi Arabia that could pave the way to ending the conflict. Meanwhile, Witkoff expressed intentions to negotiate a “framework” for a ceasefire and peace.
A minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine looms over the Jeddah talks, as Ukraine seeks security guarantees in exchange for access to vital mineral resources. The signing of this accord had been postponed due to earlier tensions between Zelenskiy and Trump but is now seen as a possibility if Ukraine illustrates a genuine desire for peace. Trump reiterated that Ukraine could finalize the agreement but added, “They haven’t shown it to the extent they should.”
In conclusion, the upcoming talks in Jeddah between U.S. officials and Ukrainian representatives are centered on assessing Ukraine’s commitment to a realistic peace. With the backdrop of previous tensions and the ongoing war, there is a critical focus on finding common ground for a feasible ceasefire agreement. The potential minerals deal also highlights the intertwined nature of security and resource management in the peace process. Overall, the outcomes of these discussions could significantly impact future U.S.-Ukraine relations and broader regional stability.
Original Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
