DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Saudi Arabia is gearing up to host significant talks on Tuesday involving representatives from the United States and Ukraine. These discussions come on the heels of a heated exchange during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the White House, where tensions flared between him and former President Donald Trump.
Although it may seem unexpected for Saudi Arabia to facilitate these talks, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been positioning the kingdom as a neutral ground for potential peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This meeting could even pave the way for historic face-to-face discussions between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Why are these talks taking place?
The urgency for these talks arose following a dramatic confrontation during an Oval Office meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance, which reportedly deteriorated into an intense argument. Trump admonished Zelenskyy, warning that the current situation has serious global implications. The discussion ended without a fruitful agreement, particularly regarding U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which Kyiv hoped would secure ongoing military support amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Where will these talks take place?
The Saudi Foreign Ministry has announced that the negotiations will be held in Jeddah, a strategic port city by the Red Sea. The choice of Jeddah, as opposed to Riyadh, is not entirely clear. However, Jeddah has a history of hosting diplomatic meetings and royal events, signaling its significance in the kingdom’s political landscape. Saudi Arabia has expressed its commitment to fostering a lasting peace in Ukraine, continuing its diplomatic efforts over the past several years.
Who will attend the talks?
President Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday, ahead of the discussions. He will be accompanied by key officials, including his chief of staff, the foreign minister, and the defense minister. The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who has been in touch with top Ukrainian officials in preparation for the meeting. Both sides seem determined to work towards peace and security, emphasizing a collaborative approach.
Why are these talks in Saudi Arabia?
Since assuming leadership, Crown Prince Mohammed has adopted a stronger role in international affairs. Despite past controversies, including the highly publicized Khashoggi incident, his administration has been shifting towards a more diplomatic stance in the last couple of years. The kingdom has successfully engaged with Iran, hosted high-level summits, and maintained stable relationships with Russia while navigating Western criticisms. Hosting U.S.-Russia talks could further elevate Saudi Arabia’s position as an important player in the Middle East.
What does this mean for the war and the wider world?
For Trump, negotiating a peace deal remains a priority. His approach towards Ukraine has included tough measures, focusing more on restricting military aid rather than conciliatory gestures. Nonetheless, he has communicated that he is keen on finding a solution that would bring the war to a close while still standing firm against Russia’s aggression.
Should a potential agreement materialize between Ukraine and the U.S. during these talks, it could enhance Trump’s diplomatic efforts. However, skepticism persists in Europe, as the continent feels sidelined from these discussions, prompting a commitment to bolstering their own defenses and security measures in response to evolving global threats.
