High-level discussions aimed at ending the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia began in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. This meeting comes just hours after a significant drone attack, where Russian air defenses intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones across ten regions in Russia. Tragically, two people lost their lives, and 18 others were injured, including three children, although officials reported no major destruction.
In Jeddah, where the talks are taking place, journalists briefly observed a meeting between senior Ukrainian officials and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While Rubio appeared optimistic, giving a thumbs-up when asked about the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation remained serious and did not comment on the recent drone attacks.
Ukrainian presidential aide Andriy Yermak emphasized the need for a "just and lasting peace" in Ukraine, highlighting the importance of security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression. This is particularly relevant given Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister also attended the talks, which aimed to mend Ukraine’s relationship with the U.S. following tensions during President Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington earlier in the year. Ukraine is keen to convince the U.S. to resume military aid and intelligence sharing, which had been suspended after a fallout.
Ukrainian officials plan to propose a ceasefire that would include the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safer shipping and address long-range missile strikes that have impacted civilians. They are also ready to discuss a deal regarding access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, a move that aligns with U.S. interests under President Trump.
Rubio stated that the U.S. delegation is not setting specific conditions but wants to hear what Ukraine is willing to consider. He mentioned that the rare earths deal could be signed during the meeting but is not a prerequisite for further discussions.
As the talks unfold, the Kremlin has made it clear that it is not offering any concessions. Russia demands that Ukraine abandon its NATO aspirations and recognize occupied territories as part of Russia. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to maintain pressure along the front lines, despite suffering significant losses.
The drone attack on Russia, particularly targeting Moscow, marks one of the largest assaults on the capital since the war began. Although most drones were intercepted, the attack has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict’s escalation.
With the backdrop of these discussions and recent military actions, the outcome of the talks in Saudi Arabia could have significant implications for the future of Ukraine and its relations with both the U.S. and Russia.