All eyes will be on Saudi Arabia this week as high-stakes discussions between White House and Ukrainian delegations commence, with the aim of forging a path towards peace for Kyiv. The diplomatic talks, set to begin on Tuesday, coincide with a separate gathering of defence chiefs in France, where plans are being drawn up for a “coalition of the willing” to safeguard Ukraine’s security.
The talks come at a critical moment, as the US temporarily halted military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv following a public falling out between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, speaking with Mr Trump on Monday, stressed the importance of achieving a “positive outcome” that would see US support for Ukraine resume.
Diplomatic push in Saudi Arabia
The negotiations in Saudi Arabia mark the latest diplomatic effort to secure a peace deal that could bring an end to the devastating war. While President Zelensky himself is not expected to take part in the discussions, he arrived in the kingdom on Monday for a planned meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Following his talks with the Saudi leader, Mr Zelensky stated:
“A significant part of the discussion was dedicated to the formats of security guarantees. The Ukrainian delegation remains in Jeddah to work with the US team on Tuesday, and we hope for practical outcomes. Ukraine’s position in these talks will be fully constructive.”
Meanwhile, tensions remain high on the battlefield, with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claiming that 60 Ukrainian drones were shot down over the Russian capital hours before the talks were set to begin. No casualties were reported, but air traffic was restricted from two major Moscow airports.
Coalition of the willing takes shape in Paris
As US-Ukraine talks get underway in Saudi Arabia, defence ministers from key European nations will gather in Paris to discuss the formation of a security coalition to protect Ukraine. French officials have indicated that around 30 countries could participate in some capacity.
Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin will represent the UK at the Paris meeting, with Defence Secretary John Healey set to meet his counterparts from France, Germany, Italy, and Poland on Wednesday. The discussions are expected to focus on military commitments, logistical support, and security assurances for Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer is also taking a leading role in rallying international support, as he prepares to host a call with like-minded allies from the “coalition of the willing” on Saturday. The call will involve leaders who have expressed an interest in contributing to or supporting a European-led peacekeeping mission aimed at deterring future Russian aggression.
G7 Foreign ministers to discuss Ukraine in Canada
Further reinforcing the diplomatic push, foreign ministers from the G7—including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio—will convene in Canada from Wednesday to Friday. Discussions will centre on maintaining momentum for peace talks and ensuring continued support for Kyiv.
Mr Lammy said he spoke with Mr Rubio and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Monday, emphasising the need to keep the peace process moving forward ahead of the Saudi Arabia discussions.
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Challenges ahead: Security guarantees and US commitments
One of the major sticking points in the peace negotiations is the issue of security guarantees. Sir Keir has pushed for the United States to provide a “backstop” security commitment, ensuring that if a European-led peacekeeping force is deployed in Ukraine, it would not be left vulnerable to future Russian aggression.
However, a diplomatic dilemma has emerged. Government sources warn of a “chicken and egg” situation: European nations are reluctant to commit troops without a US security guarantee, while President Trump is hesitant to make commitments unless Europe steps up its own defence efforts.
Not all countries involved in the “coalition of the willing” are expected to provide troops, but they may offer logistical or financial support to bolster the mission’s success.
The road ahead
With a flurry of diplomatic activity taking place across multiple continents this week, world leaders face significant challenges in forging a viable peace plan for Ukraine. The outcome of the US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, combined with the Paris and G7 meetings, will be crucial in determining whether a comprehensive security framework can be established.
As the war drags on, the stakes could not be higher. Ukraine is looking for firm commitments, while Western allies must navigate political and military complexities to ensure a stable and lasting resolution.
