Why it matters:
The meeting marks a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and could pave the way for a potential ceasefire. The outcome of the discussions may influence the dynamics of U.S. support for Ukraine amid changing political landscapes.
The big picture:
The upcoming talks in Jeddah represent the first meeting between Ukrainian and American officials since Zelensky's tense visit to the White House in late February, which resulted in a confrontation with U.S. President Donald Trump. Since that verbal clash, Washington has suspended military aid to Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to seek reconciliation.
What he's saying:
Zelenskyy stated, "On Monday, I will begin diplomatic meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with our American partners."
He added, "We hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and actions," emphasizing that Ukraine supports constructive dialogue while wanting its interests to be considered.
Key points:
- The meeting on Tuesday will focus on establishing a framework for peace and a preliminary ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
- U.S. officials, including Steve Vitkoff and Marco Rubio, are participating in the negotiations to advance Trump's goal of ending the war.
Go deeper:
The diplomatic efforts come at a critical juncture for Ukraine, as the country seeks to stabilize its international support and navigate the complexities of U.S. politics. The outcome of the talks could significantly impact the future of military aid and the overall strategy for resolving the conflict with Russia.
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