U.S. Evaluates Ukraine’s Peace Strategy and Trump Relations in Saudi Arabia
U.S. officials will assess Ukraine’s openness to concessions in upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia, determining commitment to diplomacy with Russia and improving relations with the Trump administration. Key discussions involve a strategic minerals deal, reflecting the complexities of negotiations. President Trump anticipates progress, despite concerns about Ukraine’s military resources and bargaining position.
U.S. officials are set to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia during a meeting with Ukrainian delegates on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia. This assessment will gauge whether Ukraine is ready for a realistic peace. Additionally, U.S. officials will observe the Ukrainian commitment to improving ties with the Trump administration following a prior contentious encounter between President Trump and President Zelenskiy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the U.S. delegation to Jeddah, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The discussions are crucial as U.S. officials attempt to discern Ukraine’s serious intentions regarding peace negotiations. One official remarked, “You cannot say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything.’ ”
President Trump expressed optimism regarding the upcoming talks, asserting, “We’re going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week.” Meanwhile, President Zelenskiy announced his travel to Saudi Arabia to further the pursuit of peace, emphasizing the dual goals of achieving peace and ensuring ongoing support from the U.S.
Ukraine’s European allies maintain that a strong negotiating position against Russia is essential. Zelenskiy articulated that Russian President Putin is not genuinely interested in peace and stressed that further aggression may follow if Ukraine does not achieve a clear victory. Recent meetings between U.S. and Russian officials did seek to restore contact strained under former President Biden.
Despite frustrations expressed by Trump regarding Ukraine’s military resources, which he claimed are dwindling, his administration’s recent actions, including limited weapon shipments and accusations of Ukraine’s lack of openness to negotiations, have sparked criticism. Observers argue these strategies could prolong the conflict.
As Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine while Ukrainian troops face encirclement, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes remarked on the progress of U.S.-Ukraine relations post the disagreement on February 28. He highlighted Trump’s constructive comments on Zelenskiy’s conciliatory approach.
Encompassing the discussions in Jeddah is a prospective minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, tied to security guarantees. This deal, previously planned for signing during Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington, remains unsigned despite renewed intentions from both parties. Trump mentioned, “They will sign the minerals deal but I want them to want peace…They haven’t shown it to the extent they should.”
Neither the State Department nor the Ukrainian embassy in Washington provided immediate responses to inquiries regarding the matter.
In conclusion, the upcoming U.S.-Ukraine meeting in Saudi Arabia will focus on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate peace with Russia and improve ties with the Trump administration. With key officials discussing substantial geopolitical issues, the outcome has the potential to impact the broader peace process in the region. The fate of a strategic minerals deal further complicates negotiations. Overall, the dynamics of support and concessions will play a pivotal role in future peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
