Trump Administration Officials Set for Separate Talks with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia
Trump administration officials will hold separate meetings with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia this week, following previous discussions on a proposed three-step peace plan. Key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aim to repair strained relations with Ukraine and establish a ceasefire agreement with Russia. Trump has indicated a willingness to impose sanctions on Russia, further raising the stakes in the ongoing conflict.
Top officials from the Trump administration are scheduled to engage in separate discussions with both Russian and Ukrainian delegations this week in Saudi Arabia, as reported by CNN on March 9. President Trump noted, “Big meetings coming up, as you know, in Saudi Arabia. That’s going to include Russia, but Ukraine, we’ll see if we can get something done.”
These upcoming discussions will follow prior meetings, including a US-Russian session on February 18 in Saudi Arabia, where a three-step peace framework was suggested: implementing a ceasefire, conducting elections in Ukraine, and finalizing an agreement.
Additionally, this week’s talks build upon a recent Oval Office meeting involving Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During this session, tensions arose as Trump and Vance criticized Zelensky regarding the war, leading to Zelensky’s defense of Ukraine’s stance on security guarantees and prior agreements with Russia.
As a result of the diplomatic friction, both the United States and Ukraine have made efforts to mend their relationship. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is among the US officials expected to meet with Ukrainian representatives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Before the US-Ukraine talks commence, the Ukrainian delegation is also set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, as indicated by Radio Free Europe.
US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg previously remarked that American pressure on Ukraine was akin to “hitting a mule with a board on the nose – you got their attention,” suggesting the tactic of suspending military aid was intended to encourage negotiations.
Trump has also indicated potential pressure on Russia, stating on Truth Social that he is “seriously considering implementing massive Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs against Russia until a ceasefire and FINAL PEACE AGREEMENT is reached.” On March 10, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reiterated that there would be no US-Russia meetings this week.
The Trump administration’s upcoming meetings with Russian and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia mark a significant diplomatic overture. These discussions aim to address ongoing tensions and pursue a peace agreement following previous meetings that proposed a ceasefire and elections in Ukraine. Efforts to repair US-Ukrainian relations are underway, particularly after a recent Oval Office discussion that highlighted friction. The evolving dynamics may influence diplomatic strategies concerning both Russia and Ukraine.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
