In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a significant round of talks commenced between Ukrainian officials and a U.S. delegation, freshly invigorated after a public fallout between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky only weeks prior. Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, expressed optimism about the talks, stating they started off very constructively, emphasizing the importance of a just and lasting peace.
This meeting includes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who previously engaged in direct talks with Russia. As discussions unfolded, attention was also drawn to recent escalations between Ukraine and Russia, highlighted by reports of a massive drone attack that Ukraine allegedly launched on Russian territory.
The ongoing talks come at a time when security guarantees from Western allies like the U.S. have emerged as a critical sticking point for Ukraine. Ukrainian officials have consistently indicated that any resolution, including a ceasefire or peace deal, must be underpinned by firm security commitments. These calls have garnered some support from Ukraine’s Western allies, although the Trump administration’s stance remains uncertain, as concrete commitments have yet to be made.
Rubio, addressing the press, acknowledged that the United States is currently in a phase of gathering more information about Ukraine’s position and any compromises it may be willing to consider. Tensions from the previous Trump-Zelensky meeting, where Zelensky later described the encounter in negative terms, loom over current discussions.
Amidst these intricate negotiations, the dynamics of U.S. diplomatic strategy, particularly under Trump’s influence, continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Ukraine’s options for peace and security as Russian aggression persists.