U.S. and Ukrainian officials will confer in Saudi Arabia to address strained relations and evaluate Kyiv’s potential concessions amid President Trump’s push for expedited peace in the conflict with Russia. This comes after significant shifts in U.S. support for Ukraine and a notable tension-filled meeting between Trump and Zelensky. The discussions are vital for assessing the trajectory of U.S. military support and Ukrainian territorial recovery efforts.

Officials from the United States and Ukraine are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, aiming to mend their strained relationship and evaluate potential concessions from Kyiv in response to President Donald Trump’s initiative to expedite the conclusion of the conflict with Russia. This meeting is notably consequential as Washington has significantly altered its previous commitment to Ukraine since Trump took office in January.

Previously, the United States was Ukraine’s staunch ally. However, the Trump administration’s direct engagement with Moscow, suspension of military assistance to Kyiv, and halting of intelligence-sharing have transformed the warfare dynamics initiated by Russia’s aggression in 2022.

The deterioration in relations escalated following a confrontational meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last month at the White House. This discord has also delayed a significant minerals agreement, which Trump framed as essential for maintaining U.S. support amid the backdrop of a $65 billion military aid package provided to Ukraine since the onset of Russia’s invasion.

Under substantial pressure from the U.S., Zelensky is striving to highlight Ukraine’s intention to expedite the war’s resolution, despite the absence of U.S. security assurances linked to the minerals deal, which Ukraine deems vital for any prospective peace settlement.

“We have to understand the Ukrainian position and get a general idea of what concessions they’d be willing to make, because you’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions,” stated U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he headed to Jeddah for the discussions.

Rubio will lead the American delegation, which includes National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, in negotiations with senior Ukrainian officials led by Andriy Yermak, a close advisor to Zelensky. It is important to note that Zelensky, who recently engaged in talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will not be present at this meeting.

Despite Rubio’s cautious stance, optimism was expressed by Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, regarding the potential finalization of the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement. Witkoff is reportedly preparing for another meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin after his prior engagement with the leader last month.

European allies of Ukraine contend that Kyiv should negotiate from a position of strength and resist any pressure to engage in talks with an adversary. Zelensky has consistently warned that Putin does not genuinely seek peace and has alerted that Russia may expand its aggression to other European nations if the conflict in Ukraine is not met with strong resistance.

While specifics on potential concessions remain unelucidated, Rubio projected that Ukraine may find it challenging to regain all territories lost to Russian advances, stating, “The Russians can’t conquer all of Ukraine, and obviously it’ll be very difficult for Ukraine, in any reasonable time period, to push the Russians back to where they were in 2014.” Currently, Russia occupies approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014, and continues its military push in the eastern Donetsk region.

This upcoming meeting follows a rare encounter in February between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, which centered on the restoration of diplomatic ties strained during previous administrations, especially under President Biden.

The upcoming U.S.-Ukraine meeting in Saudi Arabia represents a critical effort to repair relations and assess potential concessions amid changing dynamics in the ongoing conflict with Russia. As both sides navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, the dialogue reflects broader attempts to expedite peace while addressing contentious issues. The outcomes may significantly influence the continued support between the U.S. and Ukraine, as well as the implications for European security.

Original Source: www.arise.tv

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