U.S. and Ukrainian officials gathered in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for important talks aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting follows a tense exchange between the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents last month during a White House meeting.
Despite the hope for a cease-fire, U.S., Ukraine, and Russia have differing views on what that should entail. On the same day as the talks, both Ukraine and Russia launched attacks on each other’s territories, underscoring the fragile situation.
In Jeddah, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz met with Ukrainian leaders, including Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Before the discussions, Yermak expressed a desire for open and constructive dialogue.
After over two hours of discussions, Waltz indicated progress was being made but did not share specifics. Ukraine is calling for immediate halts to air and sea strikes but insists on security guarantees before any further disarmament. The U.S. is advocating for a complete cease-fire right away, while Russia, not participating in the talks, is demanding its own concessions.
If Ukraine’s proposal for a pause in attacks is accepted, it would mark the first significant reduction in hostilities since the conflict escalated three years ago. Ukraine’s offer includes a truce on long-range strikes as a trust-building measure, but it seeks more comprehensive agreements in the longer term.
Rubio has stated that Ukraine would need to negotiate terms that involve concessions over territories taken by Russia since 2014. He emphasized the importance of both sides showing readiness to make tough decisions to further peace efforts.
Yermak highlighted that Ukraine’s team came prepared for meaningful conversations but stressed the need for security guarantees, a contentious issue within U.S. discussions. These high-level talks are the first since a disruptive Oval Office meeting in February, where tempers flared between the two leaders.
Since that meeting, Zelensky has worked to restore relations with the U.S. A Ukrainian official suggested that talks included potential truce proposals, emphasizing their uncertainty about Russia’s willingness to engage in peace discussions. Meanwhile, the Kremlin has made it clear that it wants to know the outcomes of these negotiations.
Zelensky recently suggested a partial cease-fire and a prisoner exchange, a common trust-building activity in such negotiations. Ukraine is seeking military aid and intelligence support from the U.S., which was suspended after the previous tense encounter.
Recent military reports suggest that a lack of intelligence has impacted Ukrainian efforts against Russian advances, especially in areas like Kursk. However, Ukrainian forces have managed to push back Russian attempts in eastern Ukraine, reclaiming some territory.
Rubio hinted that understanding Russia’s position will be critical and stressed the need for both sides to recognize the absence of a military solution to the conflict. There’s skepticism about whether the proposed aerial and maritime truce would be adequate for the U.S. to resume military support.
Trump’s stance emphasizes stopping the fighting quickly, even without a full peace agreement in place. However, he’s expressed concerns about Zelensky’s gratitude for U.S. assistance and doubts about Russia’s commitment to peace. Historically, Russia has violated cease-fires and previously denied intentions before escalating conflicts.
Without proper assurances, Ukraine fears a pause in fighting could allow Russia to regroup and prepare for renewed offensives. Experts argue that any agreement should include robust enforcement mechanisms to prevent future escalation.
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