Trump administration officials will hold separate meetings with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia this week. The discussions aim to progress peace efforts following previous talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials are involved, while sanctions against Russia are also being considered to facilitate negotiations.
Top officials from the Trump administration are set to engage in separate diplomatic meetings with Russian and Ukrainian delegations this week in Saudi Arabia, as reported by CNN on March 9. Former President Donald Trump indicated the significance of these discussions aboard Air Force One, stating, “Big meetings coming up, as you know, in Saudi Arabia. That’s going to include Russia, but Ukraine, we’ll see if we can get something done.”
These meetings will continue from the US-Russian talks held on February 18 in Saudi Arabia, where a proposed peace plan consisted of a ceasefire, followed by elections in Ukraine, and culminating in a final agreement. Additionally, they follow an Oval Office meeting last month involving Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during which discussions included Zelenskyy’s concerns over security guarantees and previous agreements with Russia.
To ameliorate any diplomatic strains following the incident, top officials from the United States and Ukraine have been actively working to restore relations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is among those expected to meet with Ukrainian counterparts in Jeddah, while the Ukrainian delegation is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh before the US-Ukraine discussions.
US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg characterized the American influence on Ukraine, likening it to “something like hitting a mule with a board on the nose – you got their attention,” implying that the withholding of military aid aimed to coerce Ukraine into negotiations. Additionally, Trump suggested potential sanctions on Russia, expressing on Truth Social that he is “seriously considering implementing massive Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs against Russia until a ceasefire and FINAL PEACE AGREEMENT is reached.” Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova announced on March 10 that no US-Russia meetings are scheduled for this week.
In summary, high-level meetings between Trump administration officials and representatives from Russia and Ukraine are set to occur this week in Saudi Arabia, following previous discussions aimed at establishing peace. Key figures are working to mend diplomatic relations, while the United States contemplates using sanctions as leverage in the negotiations. Overall, this week’s engagements underscore the complex dynamics surrounding the ongoing conflict and the international efforts to mediate a resolution.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
