United States officials plan to use an upcoming meeting with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to evaluate Kyiv’s readiness to make meaningful concessions to Russia in pursuit of ending the war.
During the bilateral talks in Jeddah, the US delegation will also be monitoring Ukraine’s approach toward improving relations with the Trump administration.
This follows a tense exchange last month between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to an anonymous official.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Jeddah on Sunday for the discussions.
He will be accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
“You can’t say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything,'” one US official remarked, emphasizing Washington’s interest in gauging Ukraine’s commitment to what they consider a “realistic peace.” Another official added, “If they are only interested in 2014 or 2022 borders, that tells you something.”
Trump expressed confidence ahead of the meeting, telling reporters aboard Air Force One, “We’re going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week.”
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy, in his nightly address, confirmed his trip to Saudi Arabia, stating he would continue working toward peace and securing support for Ukraine.
“This concerns both, bringing peace closer and continuing support,” Zelenskiy said.
Ukraine’s European allies, however, maintain that any agreement with Russia should be negotiated from a position of strength and caution against pressuring Kyiv into premature talks.
Zelenskyy has repeatedly warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not genuinely interested in peace and could extend aggression to other European nations if his invasion of Ukraine is not decisively countered.
In recent weeks, Trump has voiced frustration over Ukraine’s dwindling manpower and resources, suggesting that Kyiv needs to engage in negotiations.
His administration has since halted weapons shipments and limited intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, citing concerns over Kyiv’s reluctance to pursue a diplomatic resolution.
Asked whether the suspension of intelligence-sharing could be reversed, Trump responded, “We just about have. We just about have.”
Critics argue that these moves could prolong the war by emboldening Russia, making it less likely to agree to fair terms for peace.
Russian forces continue their slow advance in eastern Ukraine, while Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region face encirclement.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes acknowledged that Zelenskiy had made efforts to mend ties with Washington following his contentious meeting with Trump.
He referenced Trump’s recent address to Congress, in which the president mentioned receiving a conciliatory message from the Ukrainian leader.
“With meetings in Saudi Arabia this coming week, we look forward to hearing more positive movement that will hopefully and ultimately end this brutal war and bloodshed,” Hughes stated.
Witkoff, the Middle East envoy, also expressed hope earlier this week that discussions in Jeddah would establish a “framework” for a potential ceasefire and peace agreement.
Adding to the high-stakes negotiations is the unresolved minerals deal between the US and Ukraine.
Kyiv has been pushing for an agreement that would provide US security guarantees in exchange for access to strategic mineral resources in Ukraine.
Originally set to be signed during Zelenskiy’s visit to Washington, the deal was postponed after tensions arose between the two leaders.
Since then, both sides have signaled renewed willingness to finalize the agreement. Trump, speaking on Sunday, predicted Ukraine would move forward with the deal.
“They will sign the minerals deal but I want them to want peace … They haven’t shown it to extent they should,” he stated.
