As tensions rise in Eastern Europe, Ukrainian and American officials convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss key geopolitical issues.
This high-level meeting comes at a time when Moscow is dealing with a massive drone attack, adding another layer of complexity to ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Key Figures in the Meeting
The Ukrainian delegation included Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga, Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
Representing the United States were National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
These top officials gathered at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah to discuss critical matters concerning security, peace efforts, and bilateral relations.
Progress and Initial Reactions
The discussions lasted about four hours before a scheduled break.
During this intermission, Rubio and Waltz took a stroll through the hotel lobby, engaging briefly with journalists.
When asked about the state of negotiations, Waltz responded with a confident, “We are making progress.”
Andriy Yermak, speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian delegation, echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “The work continues.”
While he refrained from sharing specifics, he emphasized that the meeting was off to a constructive start.
“We are focused on achieving a just and lasting peace,” Yermak added, underlining Ukraine’s commitment to finding a resolution.
What’s on the Table?
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the primary agenda items included diplomatic relations and the path to peace.
However, one major topic—security guarantees—was deliberately left out of this round of talks.
Despite acknowledging its importance, Ukrainian officials opted to address it at a later stage.
A Late Arrival Sparks Speculation
The US delegation arrived later than expected, leading to a brief delay in proceedings.
While the reason for their tardiness remains unclear, some analysts speculate that it was a strategic move.
In diplomatic circles, timing can often send subtle messages.
By making Ukraine wait, Washington may have been reinforcing its position of influence in the discussions.
Meanwhile, Sky News correspondent Alex Rossi reported that US officials are hesitant to entertain Ukraine’s request to restore its borders to their pre-2013 status.
Instead, Ukraine may have to brace for difficult compromises as part of any potential settlement.
Kremlin’s Response
As discussions unfolded in Jeddah, the Kremlin took notice.
Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that the US would update Moscow on the outcomes of the negotiations.
Labeling this as “normal practice,” Peskov reiterated that Washington was exploring ways to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
What’s Next?
With no concrete agreements announced yet, these talks mark just another step in the long road toward potential peace.
Whether Ukraine and the US can align their strategies moving forward remains to be seen.
For now, both sides appear committed to ongoing discussions, but the reality of diplomatic negotiations suggests that compromises will likely be necessary.