Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism about the upcoming US-Ukraine talks scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next week. The Ukrainian leader, who will be in the Gulf kingdom but will not participate in the negotiations, stated that Kyiv remains committed to achieving a “fast and lasting” peace.
The talks come amid mounting US pressure on Ukraine to make concessions in the lead-up to potential peace discussions with Russia. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, emphasized that the American delegation seeks to establish a “framework” for peace, aiming to end the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Tensions between Zelensky and Trump escalated following a public confrontation at the White House last Friday, during which Trump criticized the Ukrainian leader for allegedly not being prepared to end hostilities. In the wake of this dispute, the US administration paused military aid to Ukraine and suspended intelligence-sharing agreements. Zelensky has since sought to mend relations, sending Trump a letter that Witkoff described as an “apology” and an expression of “gratitude.”
“Hopefully, we get things back on track with the Ukrainians, and everything resumes,” Witkoff remarked, signaling the US’s desire to continue its strategic partnership with Kyiv.
While Ukraine remains firm in seeking security guarantees, Russia’s stance on negotiations remains uncertain. Moscow has not officially responded to a ceasefire proposal outlined by French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week, which calls for a halt to aerial and naval attacks, as well as strikes on civilian infrastructure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressing the conflict on Thursday, reiterated that Moscow seeks a long-term peace ensuring security for Russia. “We don’t need anything that belongs to others, but we won’t give up anything that belongs to us either,” he stated, referencing Russia’s claims over Ukrainian territories annexed since 2014.
With Trump positioning himself as a mediator in the conflict, the US’s decision to suspend military aid to Ukraine has been interpreted as a strategic move to encourage Kyiv’s participation in US-led peace talks. However, any pressure exerted on Russia remains undisclosed. As Ukraine and its European allies express concern over Trump’s perceived overtures toward Russia, the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia may prove critical in shaping the trajectory of the war.
