US-Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia begin on a ‘Constructive’ Note

High-level discussions between US and Ukrainian officials began in Jeddah on Tuesday, as both sides explored pathways to ending Russia’s prolonged war against Ukraine. The talks commenced just hours after deadly clashes between Moscow and Kyiv claimed three lives.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, described the negotiations as having started “in a very constructive way.” Yermak, along with other Ukrainian representatives, is meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff for crucial discussions on achieving a lasting peace.

Focus on Just and Lasting Peace

“We're working towards a just and lasting peace,” Yermak stated on Telegram, reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to a resolution. Midway through the discussions, he posted on X, emphasizing that “the work continues,” accompanied by the Ukrainian and US flags.

When asked about progress, Witkoff responded briefly to reporters, saying, "Getting there."

Ahead of the meeting, Rubio stressed that the US was primarily there to listen to Ukraine’s stance rather than dictate terms. “We want to understand how far they’re willing to go and compare that with Russia’s position to assess the real distance between both sides,” he said.

Key Proposals on the Table

Two Ukrainian officials revealed that Kyiv plans to propose a ceasefire covering the Black Sea region, restrictions on long-range missile strikes, and the release of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. Additionally, a significant economic topic is expected to surface—a potential agreement between Ukraine and the US granting Washington access to Ukraine’s rare-earth mineral resources in exchange for investment.

While Rubio acknowledged the importance of rare-earth and critical mineral deals, he clarified that such agreements were not a precondition for advancing peace talks. “The finer details of any deal would need to be negotiated separately,” he added.

Past Setbacks and Future Prospects

The discussions follow a previous breakdown in talks after an Oval Office dispute between Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump in February. Following that meeting, Trump stated that Zelenskyy wasn’t “ready” for peace, while the Ukrainian leader insisted that any settlement must include concrete security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.

In the aftermath, Washington paused military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv, though Trump administration officials have suggested this support could resume if the Jeddah talks yield positive results.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has maintained its long-standing position that hostilities will cease only if Ukraine abandons its NATO membership ambitions and recognizes Russian control over partially occupied regions.

As negotiations continue, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could pave the way for peace after four years of relentless conflict.