US and Ukraine to discuss peace talks in Saudi Arabia

Officials from Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the resolution of the war with Russia. This marks the first high-level dialogue between the two countries since the strained February 28 meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, which ended in a public dispute. Here is what to expect from the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia:

Planned Meetings Between the US and Ukraine

Zelenskyy will meet with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, as announced on social media. Ukrainian officials, including top military and diplomatic leaders, will then meet with US representatives on Tuesday. Ukraine’s delegation will feature Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defence, and Colonel Pavlo Palisa. From the US, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, will attend.

Witkoff has been involved in previous attempts to negotiate with Russia, including brokering peace talks and facilitating the release of American prisoner Marc Fogel in exchange for Russian Alexander Vinnik.

Background: Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy

The discussions come less than two weeks after Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelenskyy, accusing him of warmongering and ingratitude toward the US for providing military aid. These tensions were part of a larger shift in US policy on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Recently, US representatives held talks in Riyadh with Moscow, absent Ukrainian or European participants, further complicating the diplomatic landscape. The fallout led to a temporary suspension of US military and intelligence support to Ukraine.

Location and Diplomatic Context

The talks are set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a city with a history of hosting diplomatic discussions. Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance and strong ties with both Moscow and Kyiv make it an ideal location for the summit. According to Chatham House's Timothy Ash, these ties position the kingdom to play a key role in facilitating peace talks.

Key Discussion Topics

Zelenskyy has indicated Ukraine's willingness to engage in peace negotiations, outlining possible terms including a prisoner exchange and a temporary ceasefire involving restrictions on missile, drone, and airstrike use. Confidence-building measures, including a truce in the sea, are expected to be a central focus of the talks in Jeddah. There may also be broader discussions aimed at enhancing mutual understanding between the two sides, particularly regarding the continuous flow of military support to Ukraine.

The US is pushing for a framework for a peace agreement and a ceasefire. Witkoff emphasized the importance of establishing these initial steps toward peace. Trump has expressed confidence in the potential for a deal, suggesting that both Ukraine and Russia may be open to negotiations due to their respective positions.

Additionally, there is potential for a deal on critical minerals, which would allow the US to invest in Ukraine's resources, particularly rare earth minerals. This deal was expected to be signed during Zelenskyy’s previous visit to the White House but was delayed. Zelenskyy has reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to sign the agreement, viewing it as a step toward enhanced security.

Trump has been more cautious about the likelihood of a quick deal, urging Ukraine to show a greater desire for peace before the deal is finalized.