Department of Research, Studies and International News 07-03-2025

Efforts to establish a peace framework for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are set to advance as officials from the United States and Ukraine prepare to meet in Saudi Arabia next week. The planned discussions come in the wake of escalating tensions, particularly following the suspension of U.S. military aid and intelligence-sharing with Kyiv.

The upcoming meeting follows a week of diplomatic strains, notably after a contentious exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their February 28 meeting at the White House. That encounter ended in a heated argument, prompting Trump to cut off key intelligence-sharing channels and suspend military assistance to Ukraine.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, confirmed that discussions are underway to determine the exact location for the meeting, though it is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, either in Riyadh or Jeddah.

“We are working on coordinating a meeting with the Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia next week,” Witkoff told reporters outside the White House. “The objective is to lay down a framework for a potential peace agreement and establish an initial ceasefire.”

Zelenskyy’s Visit to Saudi Arabia

In a televised address, Zelenskyy confirmed his plans to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday, where he intends to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His visit will be followed by further discussions between Ukrainian officials and their American counterparts.

“I am scheduled to meet with the Crown Prince, and after that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to engage with U.S. partners,” Zelenskyy stated. “Ukraine is committed to achieving peace.”

This marks the first high-level engagement between Ukrainian and American officials since their recent diplomatic fallout, raising speculation about whether the meeting could lead to a shift in Washington’s stance on supporting Kyiv.

Trump’s Perspective on the Negotiations

President Trump, speaking to reporters on Thursday, expressed optimism about recent developments, suggesting that both Ukraine and Russia were now in a position where negotiating peace was inevitable.

“I believe we’ve made significant progress with both Ukraine and Russia,” Trump remarked, though he did not elaborate on the specifics. “Ukraine wants to negotiate a deal because they don’t have a choice. And Russia, in a different way, a way only I understand, also has no choice.”

His statement suggests that Washington sees the potential for diplomatic breakthroughs, though the specifics of what concessions either side might be willing to make remain unclear.

Following his White House confrontation with Trump, Zelenskyy reportedly reached out in an effort to repair relations. According to Trump’s envoy Witkoff, the Ukrainian president has since expressed regret over the dispute and gratitude for U.S. support.

However, there is uncertainty regarding the broader economic agreements between the two nations. Witkoff hinted at ongoing discussions over a minerals trade deal but stopped short of confirming whether it would be finalized during the Saudi Arabia meeting. “We’ll have to wait and see,” he stated.

Analysts suggest that the proposed minerals deal could be a strategic move by Kyiv to strengthen its relationship with the new U.S. administration. Washington’s outreach to Moscow, coupled with the suspension of military aid, has left Ukraine seeking ways to reaffirm its ties with the U.S.

The economic pact under discussion could provide Ukraine with a crucial diplomatic advantage, as it would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s valuable rare earth deposits. Such resources are essential for various industries, including aerospace, electric vehicle production, and medical technology. Some officials argue that this deal could also serve as a deterrent to further Russian aggression.

Trump administration officials have framed the agreement as a step toward deeper economic cooperation, suggesting that closer economic ties between Washington and Kyiv would make it harder for Russia to exert pressure on Ukraine in the future.

As both sides prepare for their meeting in Saudi Arabia, the primary focus remains on securing an initial ceasefire and establishing a foundation for potential peace negotiations. However, with existing tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, as well as the broader geopolitical complexities surrounding Russia’s role, the success of these talks remains uncertain.

Observers will be watching closely to see whether the discussions yield tangible progress or if diplomatic challenges will continue to stall efforts toward a peaceful resolution.