Ukrainian delegation in Jeddah prepares for talks with the US: who is involved
11 March 09:25
The Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where talks with US representatives are scheduled to take place on March 11. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, wrote about this in his telegram channel, Komersant ukrainskyi reports
“The team is in place. We are preparing to work. Protection of Ukrainian interests, a clear vision of the end of the war, we will work effectively with our American partners,” Yermak said.
Ukraine will be represented at the talks by Andriy Yermak, head of the Presidential Office, as well as Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also currently staying in Saudi Arabia, but no meetings with US representatives have been announced at his level.
The American delegation that will participate in the talks with the Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia will consist of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Volz, and Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is close to Donald Trump and participated in a meeting with the Russians in February. It is likely that he will lead the negotiations.
According to The Econimist, Ukraine will propose a ceasefire in the air and at sea at this meeting. If the United States supports the proposal, the next step is for Russia, which will either have to reject the plan agreed upon by the United States or agree to stop attacking civilian targets from the air.
Rubio believes that the outcome of the current negotiations will determine the future of military support for Ukraine.
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What the world is saying and writing about the US-Ukraine talks
The ongoing Ukrainian-American talks in Saudi Arabia have attracted considerable attention from experts and analysts, reflecting the complex interplay of diplomacy, security, and economic interests.
U.S. Ambassador to the Middle East Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the talks, emphasizing expectations of significant progress, especially on the critical minerals agreement. He emphasized that the agenda includes security protocols and territorial issues, and expressed hope that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could visit the US to finalize the mining agreement.
The Associated Press reported that during the talks, Ukraine proposed a limited ceasefire in the Black Sea and long-range missile strikes, as well as a prisoner exchange. The proposal is aimed at resuming US military and intelligence support, which was suspended after Washington called on Kyiv to engage in peace talks. In addition, the media reported that the Ukrainian and American sides are ready to sign an agreement on mineral resources.
The Guardian analyzed the role of Saudi Arabia as a host country, noting its complicated relations with both the United States and Russia. European allies expressed concern about direct US negotiations with Russia, fearing potential concessions that could undermine Ukraine’s position.
The Wall Street Journal emphasized US President Donald Trump’ s assertive approach to diplomacy, which includes the use of military assistance to force parties to the negotiating table. However, this strategy is facing problems, as evidenced by the increase in Russian attacks after the suspension of US aid to Ukraine. Critics argue that such tactics may lack strategic foresight and may make it harder to achieve long-term peace.
Vox also reported on European efforts to strengthen support for Ukraine amid changes in US policy. European countries have gathered to discuss increased spending on defense and support for Ukraine, but challenges such as production timelines and limited resources remain. The EU’s skepticism of the current US stance underscores concerns about Ukraine’s defense capabilities and the broader geopolitical balance.
