Senior officials from the United States and Ukraine have commenced high-level talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aiming to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
The discussions are expected to cover frameworks for a peace agreement, prospects for a preliminary ceasefire, and issues related to a potential US-Ukraine critical minerals deal.
The US delegation includes Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs. The Ukrainian delegation comprises Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Ahead of the talks, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed optimism about the negotiations. On Monday, he stated that the US anticipates substantial progress and hopes that a deal on critical minerals will be signed. “We are approaching these discussions with the expectation of making significant strides toward peace,” Sullivan said in an interview.
When asked if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might visit the US to sign a minerals deal this week, Sullivan remarked, “We are hopeful. All indications point toward positive developments.”
Key agenda items also include security guarantees for Ukraine and discussions on territorial issues.
Prior to the negotiations, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with both Zelenskyy and Blinken on Monday. The Crown Prince reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting all international efforts to resolve the crisis and achieve peace.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s efforts, emphasizing the Kingdom’s pivotal role in the Middle East and beyond. He arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday, ahead of the US-Ukraine negotiations.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak spoke with US President Joe Biden by phone ahead of the talks. Sunak expressed hope that the discussions in Saudi Arabia would yield positive outcomes, enabling Washington to enhance its support for Ukraine.
Sunak also noted that British officials had been in contact with Ukrainian counterparts over the weekend and confirmed that “they remain committed to a lasting peace.”
