This week, Ukraine is hoping to convince the US to renew its military and intelligence support during crucial talks in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to show former President Donald Trump that he seeks a quick resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
In these negotiations, Ukraine plans to propose a partial ceasefire. This would focus on ending long-range drone and missile strikes as well as combat operations in the Black Sea. The hope is that progress in discussions will encourage the US to lift its current freeze on intelligence sharing and military aid.
Ukrainian officials are heading to Saudi Arabia after experiencing setbacks on the battlefield, losing key territory in the Kursk region due to a lack of US support. They recognize the need to rebuild their relationship with the US. Some European officials believe Kyiv sees the potential for a ceasefire deal as a trade-off for restarting military assistance.
According to Fedir Venislavskiy, a Ukrainian MP, the primary aim of these negotiations is to secure renewed support from the US. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in the talks, which are meant to advance efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Trump recently expressed confidence that a beneficial minerals deal would soon be reached with Ukraine. He has faced criticism for being too lenient towards Russia but asserts that he has been tough on Moscow, even issuing sanctions after cutting aid to Ukraine.
Political analysts note that Ukraine’s tactics are shifting. Once focused on securing security guarantees, the priority is now to normalize relations with the US. Volodymyr Fesenko, a Kyiv-based analyst, points out that Ukraine must demonstrate its readiness to engage quickly in negotiations with Russia.
During a recent address to EU leaders in Brussels, Zelenskyy expressed a desire for a foundational agreement with the US that lays the groundwork for future deals, including those on mineral resources and security guarantees. This deal would ideally start with a halt to aerial attacks and naval operations, followed by measures like prisoner exchanges and the return of children taken by Russian forces.
In Saudi Arabia, Zelenskyy will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, leading a team that includes top officials like Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The goal is to kick off these vital discussions the day after his arrival.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the strong collaboration between Brussels and Kyiv. Many European leaders suggest that around 20 countries are ready to support Ukraine after a ceasefire, although Trump has yet to back such proposals.
The US president showed frustration last week when Zelenskyy suggested that a peace agreement was still distant. Trump emphasized that those unwilling to make a deal might not remain in power for long. However, Ukrainian officials believe that involving the US in any ceasefire implementation remains critical, possibly involving the use of US intelligence for verification.
Reports indicate that the proposed minerals deal may not be sufficient for Trump to renew aid or intelligence sharing. The US president is looking for changes in Ukraine’s approach, including potential concessions regarding territory and a timeline for elections.
Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace, stating that realistic proposals are on the table. The emphasis is on taking decisive action swiftly.
Meanwhile, Russia’s foreign ministry insists that any pause in hostilities is unacceptable without a conclusive settlement to the conflict.
