US Looks to Restart Diplomatic Dialogue with Ukraine Amid Tensions, No Guarantees on Support Resumption
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Ukrainian officials for the first time since the controversial White House encounter between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This meeting marks a new diplomatic effort between the US and Ukraine, as tensions remain high following a heated exchange between Trump and Zelensky during a February visit.
The talks, which will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, are being hosted by the kingdom in an effort to facilitate peace and resolve the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. While Saudi Arabia’s involvement may seem unusual, the country has positioned itself as a neutral venue for international diplomacy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has cultivated a strong role in Middle Eastern and global affairs, has also worked on mediation efforts for peace negotiations.
The meeting comes after the breakdown of talks between Trump and Zelensky in Washington, when the two leaders clashed over issues of military aid and a potential minerals deal. Ukraine had hoped the deal would secure continued US military support in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion, but the lack of agreement left relations strained. The US suspended certain military and intelligence aid to Ukraine, which has escalated concerns for Kyiv as Russia continues its attacks.
Despite the tensions, both sides are looking for progress. Ukrainian officials, led by Zelensky’s top aide Andriy Yermak, will meet with the US delegation in hopes of repairing relations. Zelensky, although not attending the talks personally, will engage with Prince Mohammed in Riyadh before the official talks begin in Jeddah. US officials are particularly keen to assess Ukraine’s stance on peace negotiations with Russia and their willingness to make concessions to end the conflict.
The Trump administration has emphasized that the resumption of US military and intelligence support will depend on Ukraine’s actions, particularly regarding its approach to peace with Russia. While Trump has expressed optimism that the talks will lead to positive developments, he has also been clear that Ukraine must demonstrate a commitment to peace before military aid will be restored. The diplomatic discussions in Saudi Arabia are expected to focus on this issue, with hopes for a breakthrough on the long-standing minerals deal and possibly easing the suspension of intelligence sharing.
BBC, the Guardian, the Washington Post, Reuters, the New York Times, Al Jazeera, the Associated Press contributed to this report.
