Policy

US-Ukraine talks: Trump tells what will be discussed in Saudi Arabia

The United States and Ukraine are indeed agreeing to meet next week in Saudi Arabia to discuss the details of a peace agreement with Russia to end the war. This was stated by Steve Witkoff, the US President’s Special Representative for the Middle East, who is also involved in negotiations with Russia, Komersant ukrainskyi reports citing Clash Report.

“The agenda of the Ukrainian-American meeting in Saudi Arabia will include the basics of an agreement to resolve the war and a ceasefire,” he said.

Vitkoff expressed hope that the United States would “turn things around” with the Ukrainians after Washington suspended intelligence sharing with Kyiv on Wednesday.

Vitkoff told reporters that Trump said there was “a way back” and that Volodymyr Zelenskyy “has demonstrated that he intends to follow this path of goodwill.”

According to The Guardian, the Ukrainian delegation will be headed by Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian delegation may also include Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Kyiv-Washington talks: what you need to know about them

At the beginning of 2025, diplomatic relations between the United States and Ukraine experienced significant turbulence, accompanied by controversial negotiations, the suspension of military aid, and renewed efforts toward peace talks. These developments have affected not only bilateral ties but also the broader geopolitical landscape, including the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

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The February 28 meeting: a turning point

on February 28, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House. The agenda included a discussion of a proposed agreement on mining rights and a strategy for resolving the conflict with Russia. However, the meeting turned into an emotional dispute, which led to the Ukrainian delegation’s quick departure from Washington and the cancellation of the planned agreements. Experts point out that disagreements over security guarantees and the terms of the mining deal were the main reasons for the disagreement.

Suspension of military assistance and intelligence sharing

After the failed meeting, US President Donald Trump announced an indefinite suspension of all US military assistance to Ukraine, citing concerns about Ukraine’s commitment to the peace process. The suspension covered more than $1 billion worth of arms and ammunition, including advanced defense systems that are critical to Ukraine’s military operations. In addition, the US stopped sharing intelligence with Kyiv, further weakening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction and renewed peace initiatives

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly expressed regret over the failed meeting, calling it “regrettable” and reaffirming Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks. He emphasized the urgency of achieving a lasting and just peace and expressed his readiness to work to this end under President Trump’s leadership. Zelenskyy also reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to sign an agreement on mining rights, viewing it as a step toward strengthening security and economic stability.

International reaction and European engagement

The suspension of U.S. aid to Ukraine has provoked a mixed international reaction. European leaders expressed concern about the potential consequences for regional security and reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz was criticized for proposing to relax debt rules to increase defense spending, reflecting a heightened sense of urgency among European countries. European Union officials are also planning to discuss proposals for defense spending to strengthen regional security in light of the change in US policy.

Prospects for resumption of aid and future negotiations

The U.S. administration has indicated that the suspension of aid and intelligence sharing could be lifted if Ukraine demonstrates a genuine commitment to peace talks. Vice President J.D. Vance emphasized the importance of private discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials to facilitate meaningful progress toward a peaceful resolution. He suggested that such engagement could lead to the resumption of military assistance and the formalization of an agreement on mineral rights.