U.S. officials will meet Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to assess Ukraine’s openness to negotiating peace with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leads the delegation amid strained relations with President Zelenskyy. Tensions arise from Ukraine’s reluctance to make concessions, and Zelenskyy expresses commitment to dialogue ahead of key discussions.
U.S. officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2023, with Ukrainian representatives to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate an end to the ongoing war with Russia. This meeting comes amid escalating tensions involving the Trump administration and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The U.S. aims for a realistic peace settlement, signaling frustration over Ukraine’s reluctance to consider territorial concessions that Russia is demanding.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to Jeddah, will lead the U.S. delegation comprising National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Although President Zelenskyy will not be attending, he has tasked high-ranking diplomats to represent Ukraine. Zelenskyy is concurrently set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss potential pathways for peace.
Ahead of the discussions, President Zelenskyy has reaffirmed Ukraine’s dedication to dialogue, asserting that “realistic proposals are on the table” and emphasizing the urgency for action. U.S. officials have conveyed a need for Ukraine to demonstrate a serious commitment to negotiations if they wish to secure continued military support and finalize a stalled minerals deal.
Relations between the Trump administration and President Zelenskyy have become strained following an earlier meeting in February, where discussions did not unfold as intended. U.S. officials have stated they expect Ukraine to show a readiness to compromise on key issues in return for a comprehensive peace deal. The upcoming talks will be crucial in determining the steps forward concerning the conflict and U.S. engagement with Ukraine amid increasing pressures.
The stalling of a minerals deal which would grant the U.S. access to certain resources from Ukraine hangs over the negotiations, with Trump indicating that additional sanctions might be imposed on Russia. As the pressure to navigate ongoing diplomatic challenges grows, Zelenskyy’s next steps in the talks will significantly impact the trajectory of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the overall peace process with Russia.
The forthcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia is pivotal in shaping the future of the U.S.-Ukraine relationship and the broader Russia-Ukraine conflict. With a focus on gauging Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate, U.S. officials are hopeful for a constructive dialogue despite recent tensions. President Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace remains vital, and outcomes from these discussions could influence military support and future diplomatic interactions.
Original Source: san.com
