Talks between Ukraine and the U.S. have begun in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, amidst a significant drone attack by Ukraine on Russian regions. Ukrainian officials are negotiating terms for a potential ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and access to rare earth minerals. Russia maintains rigid conditions for ending hostilities. This dialogue is critical amid rising tensions and recent military activities.

High-level discussions between Ukraine and the United States have commenced in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The gathering took place at a luxury hotel on Tuesday, with some journalists allowed a brief glimpse of the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared cheerful for the media, while Ukrainian officials maintained a stoic demeanor as they gathered at the table. Present at the talks was Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, amidst the presence of American, Saudi, and Ukrainian flags. Official responses were limited, with no questions taken from the press.

Simultaneously, Russian military officials reported the interception of 337 Ukrainian drones in over ten regions of Russia, marking this as the most substantial drone assault by Ukraine since the ongoing conflict began three years ago. This offensive transpired shortly before the crucial talks between Ukraine and the U.S. regarding conflict resolution in Europe’s largest military engagement since WWII. Tragically, the attack resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries, including children.

In Saudi Arabia, a senior Ukrainian delegation is set to engage with top U.S. diplomats to discuss potential pathways to conclude the extended war with Russia. While Ukrainian and U.S. officials have not commented on the drone attack, discussions in Saudi Arabia signal renewed diplomatic efforts, particularly following a contentious incident during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s White House visit on February 28. Reports indicate Ukraine’s intention to propose a ceasefire that would enhance security in the Black Sea and address long-range missile strikes on civilians as well as address the issue of prisoners.

Russia has so far remained inflexible, asserting that it is only willing to halt hostilities if Ukraine renounces its aspirations to join NATO and acknowledges Russian claims over occupied territories. Russian military forces have maintained battlefield dominance for over a year, particularly at strategic locations along the extensive front line, notably in the eastern Donetsk region.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the majority of the intercepted Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Kursk region, with significant numbers also targeting Moscow. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin highlighted that over 70 drones were aimed at the Russian capital, emphasizing that this represented the most extensive drone offensive against Moscow during the conflict.

Additional drone attacks affected regions including Belgorod, Bryansk, and Voronezh, with several damaged properties reported. Russian officials noted that airport operations in and around Moscow were temporarily suspended, and train services experienced brief interruptions due to the drone threat.

In Jeddah, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is accompanied by national security adviser Mike Waltz, preparing for discussions with President Zelenskyy’s team. Reports suggest Ukraine is open to finalizing an agreement regarding access to its rare earth minerals, a proposal that has drawn keen interest from U.S. President Donald Trump.

While on his flight to Jeddah, Secretary Rubio conveyed that the U.S. would not impose specific terms for achieving an end to the ongoing conflict, preferring to gauge Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate. He asserted, “I’m not going to set any conditions on what they have to or need to do.” Furthermore, he indicated that discussions concerning the rare earths deal could potentially take place at the meeting but clarified that it was not a prerequisite for advancing talks with either Ukraine or Russia. Rubio mentioned the possibility of allocating more time to negotiate detailed terms of the existing broad memorandum of understanding.

The high-stakes dialogue between Ukraine and the United States in Jeddah marks a significant diplomatic effort aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. While Ukraine proposes a ceasefire and discussions regarding rare earth minerals, Russia remains firm with no concessions. This meeting is essential in assessing Ukraine’s negotiating position as well as their readiness to explore potential solutions for peace amid an escalation of hostilities and recent drone attacks.

Original Source: www.galvnews.com

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