Ukrainian and US officials have commenced crucial discussions in Saudi Arabia, focusing on securing a minerals deal and exploring possible steps toward resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The meeting follows a large-scale Ukrainian drone strike on Moscow, which resulted in two fatalities, damage to multiple buildings, and temporary shutdowns at key airports. Ukrainian representatives argue that this attack should pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin into considering Kyiv’s proposals at the Jeddah talks.
This high-level engagement marks the first significant dialogue between Ukraine and the US since a controversial February 28 White House meeting, where US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The fallout from that encounter led to a suspension of US military aid and restricted intelligence-sharing, severely impacting Ukraine’s defense strategy.
During the Jeddah talks, Ukraine is expected to push for the resumption of military aid while proposing an initial ceasefire in air and maritime zones as a step toward broader peace negotiations. Meanwhile, US officials have hinted that any resolution may require Ukraine to make territorial concessions.
The discussions also extend to a minerals deal, which has been on hold since the US-Ukraine dispute at the White House. Senator Marco Rubio, speaking en route to the talks, emphasized the necessity for both sides to make difficult compromises in pursuit of conflict resolution.
In a parallel diplomatic effort, US officials previously held secret meetings with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia (February 18) and Istanbul (February 27) to discuss restoring bilateral ties and exploring preliminary peace talks—conspicuously without Ukraine’s involvement.
With geopolitical stakes at an all-time high, the outcomes of the Jeddah meeting could significantly impact the trajectory of the war and diplomatic relations in the region.
