Ukraine-US negotiations in Saudi Arabia: Yermak tells about the first results
11 March 12:28
The meeting of the delegations of Ukraine and the United States in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) has begun. This was announced by the Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak on his Telegram channel, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“The meeting of the delegations of Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia has begun. We are starting to work,” he said.
Yermak added that the meeting with the US team started very constructively.
“The meeting with the U.S. team started very constructively, we are working to bring a just and lasting peace closer,” he said.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also reported on its Telegram channel that the delegations of Ukraine and the United States have already begun a meeting in Jeddah.
On the Ukrainian side, the meeting is attended by the head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa.
The U.S. side is represented by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Volz.
The key topics of the meeting will be the path to peace and bilateral relations between Ukraine and the United States.
According to The Econimist, Ukraine will propose a ceasefire in the air and at sea. If the U.S. supports the proposal, the next step is up to Russia, which will either have to reject the plan agreed upon by the U.S. 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.
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