Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Saudi Arabia today for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, just before a high-stakes discussion between Ukrainian and US officials on ending the war with Russia.
The US, once Ukraine’s strongest backer, has shifted its stance, engaging directly with Moscow while cutting off military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv. The first formal meeting between US and Ukrainian officials since Donald Trump’s return to the White House is set for Tuesday, focusing on:
A US-Ukraine minerals deal and also Possible peace negotiations with Russia
Saudi Arabia has played a mediating role in the war, brokering prisoner exchanges and Russia-US talks last month. While Zelenskyy will not attend the US-Ukraine meeting himself, his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and a top military official will represent Kyiv.
Zelenskyy has floated a limited ceasefire (in air and sea operations) and a prisoner exchange as a test of Russia’s willingness to negotiate. However, Moscow has rejected any temporary truce, calling it a tactic to buy time for Ukraine.
US officials have signaled that Kyiv must make concessions for a deal with Russia. One official stated:
“You can’t say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything.’”
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, has said the goal is to establish a framework for a ceasefire and peace agreement. Trump himself said he expects “good results” and hinted at resuming intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
With US support in doubt, Zelenskyy has been urging European allies to increase aid as Ukraine faces:
Mounting Russian pressure in the eastern Donetsk region
Ukrainian troops near Kursk nearly surrounded by Russian forces
1,200 aerial bombs, 870 drones, and 80+ missile strikes by Russia in just a week
With US backing uncertain and Russia gaining ground, Ukraine is in a precarious position. The US-Ukraine talks on Tuesday could determine whether Kyiv is willing to negotiate concessions or if the war will escalate further.