US and Ukrainian officials have arrived in Saudi Arabia for high-stakes meetings set for Tuesday, aiming to mend a relationship severely damaged by past tensions. The talks, hosted in Jeddah, come in the wake of a disastrous Oval Office meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former US President Donald Trump. During that encounter, Trump cut off crucial military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, leaving the nation in a precarious position amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
The rift has placed tremendous pressure on President Zelenskyy to restore ties with Washington, especially as the US stands as Ukraine's most significant ally since Russia's 2022 invasion. The urgency of these discussions is heightened by Trump's suggestion that Ukraine may struggle to continue its defense against Russia, even with US support. NBC News reported that Trump demands more than just a minerals deal to resume military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations.
While Zelenskyy expresses willingness to sign a minerals deal, it remains unlikely that he will secure comprehensive US security guarantees. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, indicated that further details are needed before finalizing the minerals arrangement. Despite not participating directly, both Zelenskyy and Trump will have their officials engaged in the talks, underscoring the significance of this diplomatic effort.
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russia's defense ministry announced the recapture of three settlements in the Kursk region. Ukraine's general staff reported repelling an extraordinary attack by Russian sabotage and assault groups targeting a gas pipeline in the area. Russian forces also edge closer to the Ukrainian-held Russian town of Sudzha as tensions escalate.
"The most important thing that we have to leave here with is a strong sense that Ukraine is prepared to do difficult things, like the Russians are going to have to do difficult things, to end this conflict or at least pause it in some way, shape or form." – Trump
Despite these challenges, Trump asserted that the US is "just about" ready to resume aid to Ukraine, provided certain conditions are met. Oleksandr Syrskyi, a Ukrainian official, highlighted the severe losses inflicted upon Russian troops during recent offensives.
"A number of settlements on the border, the names of which appear in the reports of Russian propagandists, no longer actually exist – they have been destroyed by the aggressor’s shelling." – Oleksandr Syrskyi
"Despite the involvement of a significant number of Russian troops in the offensive, reinforced by North Korean infantry, the enemy is suffering significant losses in manpower and equipment." – Oleksandr Syrskyi
Zelenskyy remains committed to finding a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. He emphasized the need for constructive dialogue and expressed hope that the meetings in Saudi Arabia would lead to necessary decisions.
"We are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively." – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
As these talks unfold, both sides grapple with complex geopolitical dynamics and military realities. Trump's remarks underscore his belief that neither Russia nor Ukraine can achieve a military solution alone.
"I think both sides need to come to an understanding that there’s no military solution to this situation." – Trump
"The Russians can’t conquer all of Ukraine, and obviously it’ll be very difficult for Ukraine in any reasonable time period to sort of force the Russians back all the way to where they were in 2014." – Trump
The potential resumption of US aid hinges on productive outcomes from these discussions. Trump's administration seeks assurances from Ukraine regarding its commitment to peace efforts.
"We want to do anything we can to get Ukraine serious about getting something done." – Trump
As tensions simmer on multiple fronts, Dmitry Medvedev's statement reflects the ongoing intensity of military operations.
"The lid of the smoking cauldron is almost closed. The offensive continues." – Dmitry Medvedev