A Ukrainian delegation, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is set to propose a ceasefire in the Black Sea and an end to long-range missile strikes in talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The discussions, scheduled for Tuesday, also include a prisoner exchange proposal, aimed at de-escalating the three-year-long war with Russia, according to reports from the Associated Press.
Additionally, Ukraine is expected to sign an agreement granting the US access to its rare earth minerals, a deal championed by President Donald Trump. This agreement could strengthen economic ties between the two nations while ensuring Ukraine receives continued military support from Washington.
Mending fences after Washington clash
The Jeddah talks come after a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy on 28 February, during which Trump reportedly rebuked the Ukrainian leader for his continued calls for US military aid. According to sources, Trump told Zelenskyy, “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country.”
The fallout from the meeting led to a temporary pause in US military assistance and intelligence-sharing, a move that has left Ukraine increasingly vulnerable to Russia’s continued military offensive. For Kyiv, the Jeddah negotiations represent a crucial opportunity to repair relations and secure renewed American support.
Zelenskyy meets Saudi crown Prince
Ahead of the Ukraine-US talks, Zelenskyy held discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where the Saudi leader reaffirmed Riyadh’s commitment to peace efforts. Saudi Arabia has played a mediating role in the war since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, facilitating prisoner exchanges and hosting direct discussions between Moscow and Washington.
Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic involvement signals a growing push for a political solution, especially as Western nations reassess their military commitments to Ukraine. With increasing US hesitation on military aid, Kyiv is eager to explore alternative diplomatic solutions to prevent further Russian advances.
US expresses cautious optimism
The Trump administration has expressed hope that the Saudi-hosted talks will yield results. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters:
“I think you’re gonna have eventually – and maybe not in the distant future – some pretty good results coming out of Saudi Arabia this week.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s West Asia envoy, Steve Witkoff, voiced similar optimism, stating in an interview with Fox News:
“I think that we’re going over there with an expectation that we’re going to make substantial progress.”
Despite this cautious optimism, analysts believe Trump’s stance on Ukraine remains unpredictable, especially given his recent overtures to Russian President Vladimir Putin. European allies remain wary that Trump may push for settlements that favour Moscow, further complicating the situation for Kyiv.
EU moves to strengthen Ukraine’s defence
As the US wavers in its support, European nations are stepping up efforts to bolster Ukraine’s security. Military officials from over 30 countries are set to meet in Paris to discuss the formation of an international security force to deter future Russian aggression. According to France 24, the initiative is being led by France and the UK and will be presented to NATO representatives and other allied nations.
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Participants from Asia and Oceania are also expected to join the discussions remotely, signalling a broad international effort to counter Russia’s influence.
Growing European independence from the US
The European Union is increasingly looking to reduce its reliance on US military support, amid fears that Trump’s communication with Putin could lead to compromises unfavourable to Kyiv. European leaders remain concerned that Trump’s foreign policy shift could weaken NATO’s stance against Russia.
Among NATO’s 32 member states, almost all will be represented at the Paris summit, with notable exceptions including the US, Croatia, and Montenegro, despite being invited. Canada will send a representative in place of its military chief, reinforcing the message that Europe is preparing to stand more independently in its support for Ukraine.
What’s next for Ukraine?
As the Jeddah talks unfold, Ukraine faces a pivotal moment. If the Black Sea ceasefire proposal gains traction, it could mark the first major step towards de-escalation since the war began. However, whether the US agrees to renewed military assistance remains a key question.
For now, Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts are focused on balancing US, Saudi, and European support, all while navigating the unpredictable nature of Trump’s foreign policy. The outcome of the Jeddah and Paris meetings could determine Ukraine’s next steps—both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.
