U.S. and Ukrainian representatives will meet in Jeddah for vital peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. Secretary of State Rubio stresses Ukraine must be prepared for difficult decisions. Zelenskyy engages in separate discussions on peace while Ukraine proposes a partial ceasefire. The talks occur amid ongoing military actions, signaling a complex negotiation environment.
U.S. and Ukrainian representatives are scheduled to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish pathways to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. These discussions come in the wake of tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the two nations seek to strengthen bilateral relations following accusations from Trump regarding Ukraine’s role in the peace process.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity for Ukraine to demonstrate readiness to make tough decisions during negotiations. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy, who will not attend the talks, is engaging with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss peace strategies, particularly focusing on prisoner releases and security guarantees for Ukraine.
A Ukrainian delegation will collaborate with the U.S. team during the Jeddah talks, as Zelenskyy expressed hopes for practical outcomes that would protect Ukraine’s interests. The U.S. delegation includes notable figures such as Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and envoy Steve Witkoff, while Ukraine’s representatives are led by Andriy Yermak.
The Trump administration is advocating for concessions from Kyiv and is also pushing for a controversial minerals sharing agreement linked to substantial U.S. aid provided to Ukraine. This comes alongside a proposal from Ukraine for a partial ceasefire, which would cover long-range attacks and would serve as a starting point for assessing Russia’s response.
Rubio commented on the potential of Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal, acknowledging it as a significant concession that could contribute to conflict resolution. Furthermore, a recent drone attack by Ukraine against Russia underscored ongoing hostilities, despite the peace talks. The Kremlin responded, stating that negotiations have not yet commenced, indicating a cautious atmosphere regarding forthcoming discussions.
The article outlines the upcoming U.S.-Ukraine talks in Jeddah, highlighting the necessity for Ukraine to undertake challenging decisions as emphasized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. With Zelenskyy’s efforts to secure peace and the presentation of a partial ceasefire proposal, these discussions aim to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ongoing military actions reflect the fragile dynamics, but the engagement signifies attempts to restore relations and explore pathways for lasting peace.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
