Zelenskiy Arrives in Jeddah for Strategic Talks Amid Evolving U.S. Support
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy lands in Jeddah for crucial talks with U.S. and Saudi representatives amid changing U.S. support approaches towards Ukraine. The discussions are pivotal to exploring peace conditions and securing a minerals deal. As battlefield pressures mount, Zelenskiy’s delegation underscores Ukraine’s commitment to negotiations despite ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy arrived in Jeddah on Monday for discussions with Saudi and United States officials, as confirmed by a member of his delegation. This meeting comes in the wake of shifting American support strategies concerning Ukraine, wherein the U.S. has taken steps towards direct engagement with Russia while limiting assistance to Kyiv.
Following a contentious meeting between Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump last month, Ukraine seeks to establish more pragmatic relations. President Zelenskiy is anticipated to meet with the Saudi crown prince, who has been instrumental in mediating efforts since Russia’s invasion, including negotiating prisoner exchanges.
The scheduled talks tomorrow will mark the first formal meeting following the fallout from Zelenskiy’s White House encounter. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about achieving significant progress, emphasizing expectations surrounding a possible minerals deal.
During his travel to Jeddah, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also conveyed cautious optimism regarding discussions on the minerals deal, which necessitates further negotiations. While Zelenskiy will not directly attend the meetings with U.S. officials, he has delegated his chief of staff and ministers of foreign affairs and defense to participate, reflecting Ukraine’s commitment to constructive dialogue.
U.S. officials aim to discern Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia in pursuit of peace. Furthermore, President Trump indicated a revival of U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine, signaling potential reinvigoration of support amid ongoing discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire framework.
Zelenskiy has proposed a truce and a prisoner exchange to gauge Russia’s sincerity about peace. Despite resistance from Moscow to a temporary ceasefire, Ukraine remains poised to finalize a minerals deal with the U.S., which would secure a joint fund from Ukrainian mineral sales, deemed essential for sustaining U.S. support.
As the battlefield conditions deteriorate, Ukraine’s military is under pressure, particularly in the Kursk region where Russian forces have escalated attacks. Despite fears of encirclement, General Oleksandr Syrskyi reassured that Ukrainian troops maintain a defensive stance. Russia continues to exert dominance, holding significant portions of Ukrainian territory and intensifying strikes across the country, highlighting the enduring conflict’s toll on Ukraine.
In summary, President Zelenskiy’s visit to Jeddah signals Ukraine’s efforts to navigate a rapidly evolving diplomatic landscape influenced by shifting U.S. policies. As he meets with Saudi officials and prepares for strategic discussions with the U.S., Kyiv faces pressing challenges on the battlefield and heightened pressure for peace negotiations. The upcoming talks may prove pivotal for Ukraine’s military and diplomatic future, particularly with negotiations regarding minerals and potential concessions to Russia.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
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