U.S. and Ukraine Initiate Discussions on Ukraine Crisis in Saudi Arabia
U.S. and Ukraine have initiated discussions regarding the Ukraine crisis in Saudi Arabia.
TroibNews 
On Tuesday, a high-level delegation from the United States and Ukraine commenced discussions aimed at addressing the Ukraine crisis in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The negotiations are set to focus on establishing a framework for a peace agreement, a preliminary ceasefire, and aspects related to a U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals deal.
The U.S. delegation consists of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. The Ukrainian team includes Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Prior to the talks, U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed optimism regarding the negotiations. On Monday, he remarked that the U.S. anticipates significant progress during the discussions and is hopeful for a signed agreement on critical minerals.
"I think that we're going over there with an expectation that we're going to make substantial progress," Witkoff stated in an interview with Fox News.
When inquired about the possibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting the U.S. to finalize a minerals deal this week, Witkoff expressed optimism, saying, "I am really hopeful. All the signs are very, very positive."
Witkoff noted that important agenda points would include security protocols for Ukraine and matters related to territorial issues.
To prepare for the negotiations, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with both Zelenskyy and Rubio on Monday, reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and achieving peace.
Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's contributions and highlighted the Kingdom's essential role in the Middle East and beyond. He arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday in advance of the U.S.-Ukraine talks.
In related developments, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump prior to the discussions. Starmer conveyed hopes that the meetings in Saudi Arabia would produce favorable outcomes, allowing Washington to lift its pause on aid and intelligence support to Ukraine.
He also indicated that British officials had maintained contact with their Ukrainian counterparts over the weekend and confirmed that “they remained committed to a lasting peace.”
James del Carmen for TROIB News
The negotiations are set to focus on establishing a framework for a peace agreement, a preliminary ceasefire, and aspects related to a U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals deal.
The U.S. delegation consists of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. The Ukrainian team includes Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Prior to the talks, U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed optimism regarding the negotiations. On Monday, he remarked that the U.S. anticipates significant progress during the discussions and is hopeful for a signed agreement on critical minerals.
"I think that we're going over there with an expectation that we're going to make substantial progress," Witkoff stated in an interview with Fox News.
When inquired about the possibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visiting the U.S. to finalize a minerals deal this week, Witkoff expressed optimism, saying, "I am really hopeful. All the signs are very, very positive."
Witkoff noted that important agenda points would include security protocols for Ukraine and matters related to territorial issues.
To prepare for the negotiations, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with both Zelenskyy and Rubio on Monday, reaffirming the Kingdom's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at resolving the crisis and achieving peace.
Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's contributions and highlighted the Kingdom's essential role in the Middle East and beyond. He arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday in advance of the U.S.-Ukraine talks.
In related developments, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump prior to the discussions. Starmer conveyed hopes that the meetings in Saudi Arabia would produce favorable outcomes, allowing Washington to lift its pause on aid and intelligence support to Ukraine.
He also indicated that British officials had maintained contact with their Ukrainian counterparts over the weekend and confirmed that “they remained committed to a lasting peace.”
James del Carmen for TROIB News
