Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that his team will meet with US officials next week in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire with Russia.
In a post on X, Zelensky confirmed he will first meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, while Ukrainian and US delegations will remain for further negotiations.
Zelensky indicated that his immediate priority in talks would be to halt attacks on critical infrastructure and military operations in the Black Sea.
This would include:
The meeting comes after Zelensky’s tense White House exchange with US President Donald Trump led to the suspension of US military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Since then, Zelensky has worked to repair relations, with US envoy Steve Witkoff confirming that new talks are underway.
Witkoff, who is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, said the discussions will focus on:
A senior Ukrainian official in Kyiv confirmed that US and Ukrainian delegations will meet in Riyadh or Jeddah on Tuesday.
Zelensky acknowledged that negotiations with the US had resumed, stating:
As Trump pivots away from Ukraine, European leaders have stepped in to bolster the continent’s security.
With high-stakes diplomacy unfolding, the coming week will be critical in determining Ukraine’s military and political future.
In a post on X, Zelensky confirmed he will first meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, while Ukrainian and US delegations will remain for further negotiations.
Focus on Ceasefire in the Sky and Sea
Zelensky indicated that his immediate priority in talks would be to halt attacks on critical infrastructure and military operations in the Black Sea.
This would include:
- Stopping missile, long-range drone, and bomb strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure.
- Suspending all military operations in the Black Sea.
US-Ukraine Talks Resume After Trump’s Policy Shift
The meeting comes after Zelensky’s tense White House exchange with US President Donald Trump led to the suspension of US military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
Since then, Zelensky has worked to repair relations, with US envoy Steve Witkoff confirming that new talks are underway.
Witkoff, who is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, said the discussions will focus on:
- An "initial ceasefire" with Russia.
- A longer-term framework for peace.
A senior Ukrainian official in Kyiv confirmed that US and Ukrainian delegations will meet in Riyadh or Jeddah on Tuesday.
Zelensky acknowledged that negotiations with the US had resumed, stating:
Europe Steps Up Defence Amid US Uncertainty
As Trump pivots away from Ukraine, European leaders have stepped in to bolster the continent’s security.
- The EU approved an €800 billion rearmament plan, designed to strengthen Europe’s military capabilities.
- France and Germany are leading calls for a surge in defence spending.
- French President Emmanuel Macron is exploring the extension of France’s nuclear deterrent to European allies.
What’s Next?
- Monday: Zelensky meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
- Tuesday: US and Ukrainian officials meet in Saudi Arabia for ceasefire discussions.
- Europe continues expanding military spending, anticipating reduced US security guarantees.
With high-stakes diplomacy unfolding, the coming week will be critical in determining Ukraine’s military and political future.
