U.S. and Ukrainian officials have begun talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace negotiations with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the need for mutual concessions. Ukrainian delegation is led by Andriy Yermak, while President Zelenskyy is engaged separately with Saudi Crown Prince. Optimism arises over a potential U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.
Ukrainian and U.S. officials commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, focusing on pathways to conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia, as reported by Reuters. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of understanding Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions for achieving peace, stating, “We have to understand the Ukrainian position and just have a general idea of what concessions they’d be willing to make, because you’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions.”
Joining Secretary Rubio in these negotiations is U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Andriy Yermak, a key advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is not participating in the talks but was in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry announced the commencement of the bilateral talks through a Telegram post, sharing a video of senior Ukrainian officials entering the meeting room in Jeddah around 0900 GMT. Prior to these negotiations, Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for the Middle East under Trump, expressed optimism regarding the impending signing of a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.
The ongoing talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia aim to evaluate Ukraine’s stance on potential concessions necessary for peace with Russia. Key figures, including Secretary Rubio and National Security Adviser Waltz, are involved, while President Zelenskyy participates separately in the conference with Saudi leadership. The negotiations signal a significant diplomatic effort towards resolving the conflict and possibly establishing a minerals deal.
Original Source: armenpress.am
