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According to senior U.S. officials, President Donald Trump’s administration will likely initiate peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. This has raised concerns among Ukraine and its European allies about being sidelined in the talks.
The U.S. delegation will reportedly include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, confirmed the talks during the Munich Security Conference, stating that the goal is to arrange a meeting between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin and “finally bring peace and end this conflict.”
Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the talks. He stated that he had not received any invitations to participate and emphasized that Ukraine would never accept a peace deal negotiated without its involvement. “Maybe there is something on the table, but not on our table,” Zelenskyy told reporters. He reiterated Ukraine’s demand for Russia to withdraw from occupied territories and for Kyiv to receive NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees as part of any agreement.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and currently occupies about 20% of its territory, has insisted that Ukraine cede control of disputed regions and adopt permanent neutrality as a condition for peace. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone call with Rubio on Saturday, during which both sides agreed to maintain regular contact to prepare for a potential Trump-Putin meeting.
The Trump administration’s unilateral approach has alarmed European allies, who fear being excluded from critical negotiations. European officials have stressed that any peace deal would be unworkable without Ukraine’s direct involvement and the support of NATO members. “Any agreement would be impossible to implement unless we and the Ukrainians are included in negotiating it,” one European official said.
Trump’s Remarks
Trump wanted to comfort Ukraine by telling reporters at the White House that it would have a seat at the table throughout peace negotiations. Yet his prior gestures toward Putin, including obvious compromises on Ukraine’s core demands, have raised questions about whether the U.S. could give a treaty with Russia first consideration over Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
During the peace discussions, negotiations over a critical minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine have also been underway. Zelenskyy said a draft note from Washington was short on the security measures Kyiv considers indispensable. Sources show the U.S. suggested claiming 50% of Ukraine’s vital elements, which has sparked more discussion of the area’s balance of power and resource control.
The Saudi Arabia negotiations signify a high-risk diplomatic endeavor, but their outcome is doubtful. The way to peace is full of difficulties since Ukraine is vehemently opposed to any agreement that would compromise its territorial integrity or exclude its involvement and since European partners are concerned about being ignored. The result of these negotiations, watched by the world, might remake Eastern Europe and go beyond the geopolitical scene.
