Senior US and Ukrainian officials convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday for high-level discussions aimed at finding a pathway to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. The talks followed Ukraine’s largest drone strike on Moscow since the war began, escalating tensions in the region.
The closed-door meeting brought together US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak. Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad Al-Aiban, were also present.
Assessing Ukraine’s Willingness for Concessions
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Rubio emphasized its significance in evaluating whether Ukraine is open to making concessions to achieve peace. After more than three hours of discussions, Waltz briefly addressed reporters, stating, “We’re getting there,” while Yermak described the dialogue as “very constructive.”
The meeting came at a crucial moment for Kyiv, which has been navigating shifting diplomatic dynamics. Tensions with the United States have grown after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s unsuccessful discussions with US President Donald Trump last month. Under the new administration, Washington has reassessed its stance on the war, suspending military aid and intelligence-sharing while refusing to offer security guarantees as part of any potential peace agreement.
Ukraine’s Military Pressure and Moscow’s Response
On the battlefield, Ukraine faces increasing pressure, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, where Russian forces are attempting to push back Ukrainian troops holding strategic positions. Despite this, Ukraine demonstrated its offensive capability with a large-scale drone attack on Moscow overnight. The strike, which targeted various locations, led to the temporary shutdown of Moscow’s four airports and reportedly killed three workers at a meat warehouse.
Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted 337 drones, though Ukraine reported successful hits on an oil refinery near Moscow and another facility in Russia’s Oryol region. Hungary also confirmed that crude oil deliveries via Russia’s Druzhba pipeline were suspended following the attack.
Proposal for a Limited Truce
Ahead of the Jeddah talks, Zelenskiy proposed a temporary truce focused on air and naval engagements as a test of Moscow’s willingness to negotiate an end to the war. This initiative aligns with Trump’s call for a rapid resolution, positioning Ukraine as an active participant in peace efforts while shifting the burden of responsibility onto Russia.
Zelenskiy’s recent meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman underscored Kyiv’s diplomatic push, though he did not attend the negotiations in Jeddah. Yermak reiterated that securing international security guarantees remains a priority for Ukraine, though discussions on the matter would be preliminary at this stage.
Future Diplomatic Moves
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that the Jeddah talks would lead to the resumption of US military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged both sides to seize the opportunity, stating, “The whole world is watching you in Jeddah today.”
In a separate development, Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has been involved in US-Ukraine diplomatic efforts and is expected to visit Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Additionally, a minerals deal between the US and Ukraine remains unresolved following the tense Oval Office meeting between Zelenskiy and Trump.
As diplomatic efforts unfold, Ukraine remains focused on securing strategic military and economic agreements while navigating shifting alliances on the global stage.
