U.S. and Ukraine to Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia After White House Dispute
Saudi Arabia Hosts Key Diplomatic Meeting Following White House Clash
Why Are These Talks Taking Place?
A high-stakes diplomatic meeting between the United States and Ukraine is set to take place in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. This comes after tensions flared during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on February 28. The discussions aim to mend relations following a heated exchange between Zelenskyy, former President Donald Trump, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
During the Oval Office meeting, Trump rebuked Zelenskyy, warning, “You’re gambling with World War III.” The fallout from the argument led to Zelenskyy leaving Washington without securing an agreement that would have given the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, a deal Kyiv had hoped would ensure continued American military aid.
Where Will the Talks Be Held?
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry announced that Jeddah, a key Red Sea port city, will serve as the venue for these crucial discussions. While Riyadh had hosted previous U.S.-Russia talks on February 18, Jeddah’s selection remains unclear. However, the city has previously hosted diplomatic engagements and is home to royal palaces.
The Saudi government emphasized its commitment to fostering a lasting peace, stating, “The kingdom has consistently pursued diplomatic efforts to end the Ukrainian crisis over the past three years.”
Who Will Attend the Talks?
Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday, after delaying his initial visit due to other diplomatic engagements in the United Arab Emirates. His delegation will include Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
On the U.S. side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation and is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Ahead of the meeting, Rubio and Sybiha had a “constructive call,” with Rubio reiterating that Trump is determined to secure a resolution to the war.
Trump himself, speaking aboard Air Force One, suggested progress was imminent, stating, “You’re going to see some good results coming out of Saudi Arabia this week.”
Why Is Saudi Arabia Hosting the Talks?
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has increasingly positioned the kingdom as a major player in global diplomacy. Despite facing international scrutiny over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Prince Mohammed has since brokered a rapprochement with Iran, hosted Zelenskyy at an Arab League summit, and played a role in negotiations on conflicts in Sudan and Gaza.
The kingdom maintains close ties with Russia through the OPEC+ oil cartel while also engaging with Western powers. By hosting high-profile diplomatic talks, Saudi Arabia enhances its reputation as a neutral ground for international negotiations, benefiting from its controlled political environment and strategic geographic position.
What Impact Could These Talks Have?
Trump’s approach to the Ukraine conflict has prioritized diplomatic pressure, limiting Kyiv’s access to intelligence and military aid while maintaining a cautious stance toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, he has also threatened new sanctions against Moscow for ongoing attacks on Ukrainian cities.
If the U.S. and Ukraine reach a mutual understanding that aligns with Trump’s administration, it could pave the way for broader peace talks. However, European allies remain skeptical, feeling sidelined in these discussions. In response, the European Union recently approved a significant defense initiative, mobilizing billions of euros to bolster security across the continent.
