Saudi Arabia will host U.S.-Ukraine talks on March 11, 2025, following tensions from President Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House. The meetings, led by Zelenskyy and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, aim to address military aid and peace negotiations amid the ongoing war with Russia. Jeddah was chosen for its diplomatic history, signaling Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting regional stability.

On March 11, 2025, Saudi Arabia will host negotiations between officials from the United States and Ukraine. This meeting follows a significant dispute during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on February 28. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has been positioning the kingdom as a suitable venue for peace talks regarding the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, potentially facilitating high-level discussions involving both U.S. and Russian leaders.

The talks were prompted by tensions that arose during an Oval Office meeting involving President Zelenskyy, former President Donald Trump, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. The meeting escalated into a heated exchange, with President Trump reprimanding President Zelenskyy for actions perceived as jeopardizing global peace. Zelenskyy departed without finalizing an agreement anticipated to secure continued military aid from the U.S. essential to Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the diplomatic talks will take place in Jeddah, a notable port city on the Red Sea, rather than the capital, Riyadh. Jeddah’s historical role as a diplomatic hub and the location of royal palaces may have contributed to its selection. The ministry reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to pursuing an enduring resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, highlighting its longstanding engagement in facilitating related discussions over the past three years.

President Zelenskyy is scheduled to arrive in Saudi Arabia on March 10, ahead of the discussions. His delegation will include Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, all of whom are expected to engage in negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation and is expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed to emphasize the urgency of reaching peace.

Saudi Arabia, under Crown Prince Mohammed, has adopted a proactive foreign policy stance despite previous controversies, such as the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In recent years, the kingdom has worked to mend relations internationally, including its engagement with Iran and hosting Ukrainian officials. By positioning itself as a neutral ground for high-stakes discussions, Saudi Arabia aims to enhance its diplomatic reputation and assert its influence as a key player in regional stability.

The outcome of the talks could have significant implications for the Ukraine war. President Trump seeks a peace deal, though his administration’s approach has often prioritized pressure over collaboration. While the prospect of an agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. is on the horizon, skepticism remains in Europe, which has been largely excluded from these discussions. Europe has proactively committed to strengthening its defenses and reorienting substantial resources towards security measures.

In summary, the upcoming talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia represent a significant development in diplomatic efforts concerning the ongoing conflict with Russia. Host Saudi Arabia seeks to elevate its role as a neutral facilitator for peace, while the recent tensions during discussions in the U.S. underscore the complexities of international relations. The engagements may lead to critical outcomes affecting both the immediate war situation in Ukraine and broader geopolitical dynamics.

Original Source: www.thehindu.com

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