Ukraine and US Officials Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Escalating Drone Attacks
Senior officials from Ukraine and the United States convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday to discuss potential pathways toward ending the war with Russia.
The high-level meeting took place against the backdrop of an intensified conflict, marked by Ukraine’s largest drone attack on Russian territory since the war began, and Russia’s continued airstrikes on Ukrainian cities.
The talks in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah brought together US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. The meeting, held in a luxury hotel, aimed to explore possible resolutions to the war, with a particular focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and a lasting peace framework.
Yermak emphasized that Ukraine’s primary objective is achieving a “just and lasting peace.” While details of the discussions were not immediately disclosed, a key topic on the agenda was reportedly a proposal for a ceasefire covering the Black Sea to facilitate safer shipping and limit long-range missile strikes on civilian areas.
Despite the diplomatic engagement, the war raged on. Hours before the talks, Russian authorities reported that they had intercepted 343 Ukrainian drones in an attack spanning 10 regions, with at least three people killed and 18 others injured. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force stated that Russia had launched 126 drones and a ballistic missile at Ukrainian targets on the same day.
The Jeddah talks also presented an opportunity to mend relations between Kyiv and Washington following a highly publicized dispute between President Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump during a February visit to the White House. That confrontation led to a temporary suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Ukraine is seeking to restore this crucial support while also negotiating a potential minerals agreement with the United States. The proposed deal, which could be signed during the talks, would grant the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals—resources that are essential for various industries and a key interest for the Trump administration.
US officials have suggested that the outcome of the Jeddah talks could influence whether military assistance to Ukraine resumes. Speaking to reporters en route to the meeting, Rubio stated that the US delegation was there to listen and gauge Ukraine’s willingness to make compromises.
“I think we want to listen to see how far they’re willing to go and then compare that to what the Russians want,” Rubio said. “You’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions.”
While the Kremlin acknowledged the US-Ukraine meeting, it has remained firm on its conditions for ending hostilities. Moscow has stated that any resolution must include Ukraine dropping its NATO aspirations and recognizing Russian control over territories currently occupied by its forces.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the United States would brief Russia on the outcome of the Jeddah talks, calling this “normal practice.” However, he also cautioned against premature optimism, stating that while some in Moscow were encouraged by the developments, the Russian government remained prepared for any scenario.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russian forces continue to press their advantage, particularly in eastern Ukraine, where they have been making gains despite significant losses. The ongoing fighting underscores the challenges of achieving a negotiated settlement.
The Jeddah meeting marks a significant moment in efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the war. While there are no guarantees of immediate breakthroughs, the discussions could lay the groundwork for future negotiations involving all parties, including Russia.
Ukraine, for its part, continues to push for Western support while demonstrating its ability to carry out large-scale military operations, such as the recent drone strikes on Russian targets. The coming weeks will determine whether the diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia can translate into tangible steps toward de-escalation or if the conflict will continue to intensify.
Reuters, the Guardian, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
