U.S. officials are meeting Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the country’s readiness for peace negotiations to end the war with Russia. Tensions persist as the Trump administration expresses frustration over Ukraine’s reluctance to make territorial concessions, impacting military aid and intelligence sharing. Zelenskyy remains committed to dialogue, while the outcome of upcoming discussions may influence future U.S.-Ukraine relations.

U.S. officials are set to convene in Saudi Arabia to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace discussions regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia. Amidst constrained relations, the Trump administration desires a pragmatic peace agreement. Tensions have risen due to Ukraine’s reluctance to concede territory, prompting the U.S. to suspend military aid and restrict intelligence cooperation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Ukrainian representatives in Jeddah from March 10 to March 12, aiming to clarify Ukraine’s position on potential negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to these discussions, demonstrating a mutual interest in achieving lasting peace.

Zelenskyy has affirmed his commitment to dialogue, prioritizing realistic proposals and expediting actions to facilitate negotiations. However, U.S. officials are concerned that Ukraine’s lack of compromise on key issues may hinder peace efforts. They aim to ascertain if Ukraine is genuinely pursuing a balanced agreement.

The strained dynamics between the Trump administration and Zelenskyy complicate the situation, with prior meetings revealing a difference in negotiation leverage stemming from Russia’s military might. Allies of Ukraine emphasize that any peace agreement should originate from a position of strength, cautioning against undue pressure on Kyiv for concessions.

Additionally, an unresolved minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine adds another complexity to the discussions. While Trump remains open to finalizing this deal, he seeks assurances of Ukraine’s commitment to peace negotiations. The upcoming meetings in Saudi Arabia will serve as a pivotal moment for evaluating the trajectory of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the broader conflict with Russia.

In conclusion, the U.S. officials’ meeting with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia seeks to gauge Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks with Russia amid tense relations. While Zelenskyy demonstrates commitment to dialogue, the U.S. administration highlights a need for realistic compromises from Ukraine. As negotiations unfold, the U.S. will assess not only the potential for a durable agreement but also ongoing cooperation on critical issues, including the stalled minerals deal.

Original Source: san.com

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