Ukraine is set to present the U.S. with a blueprint for a partial ceasefire with Russia during high-stakes talks in Saudi Arabia this week, aiming to mend relations after former President Donald Trump publicly criticized Kyiv’s leadership. The move comes as Washington pauses military aid and intelligence support to pressure Ukraine toward negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, fresh from a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, outlined priorities like prisoner releases and recovering children allegedly taken by Moscow. “We’re ready for hard decisions,” Zelenskyy wrote on X ahead of Tuesday’s meeting. 🔥
The Saudi-mediated talks follow a tense February showdown at the White House, where Trump reportedly scolded Zelenskyy over perceived lack of gratitude for past U.S. arms supplies. Washington has since frozen military packages, marking a rocky phase in the nations’ three-year alliance against Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine’s delegation will include top security officials but notably excludes Zelenskyy, signaling cautious optimism. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized hopes to “resolve” the aid suspension but clarified defensive intelligence sharing continues. 💡 Critics argue the stalemate risks weakening Ukraine’s battlefield momentum.
The unresolved Trump-era demand for access to Ukraine’s mineral resources—reportedly shelved during these talks—adds layers to the drama. Will this truce plan revive the partnership? Stay tuned. ⚡
