U.S., Ukraine begin talks on Ukraine crisis in Saudi Arabia

A high-level delegation from the United States and Ukraine began talks on resolving the Ukraine crisis in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday.

The two sides are expected to discuss the framework for a peace agreement, a preliminary ceasefire, and issues related to a U.S.-Ukraine critical minerals deal.

The U.S. delegation includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. The Ukrainian delegation comprises Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Ahead of the talks, U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the negotiations. On Monday, he stated that the U.S. anticipates substantial progress in the discussions and hopes that a deal on critical minerals is signed.

"I think that we're going over there with an expectation that we're going to make substantial progress," Witkoff said in an interview with Fox News.

When asked if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might visit the U.S. to sign a minerals deal this week, Witkoff said, "I am really hopeful. All the signs are very, very positive."

Witkoff added that key agenda items would include security protocols for Ukraine and territorial issues.

In preparation for the talks, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with both Zelenskyy and Rubio on Monday. The Crown Prince reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to supporting all international efforts to resolve the crisis and achieve peace.

Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia's efforts, emphasizing the Kingdom's pivotal role in the Middle East and beyond. He arrived in Saudi Arabia earlier on Monday, ahead of the U.S.-Ukraine negotiations.

Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone ahead of the talks. Starmer expressed hope that the discussions in Saudi Arabia would yield positive outcomes, enabling Washington to lift its pause on aid and intelligence support to Ukraine.

Starmer also noted that British officials had been in contact with Ukrainian counterparts over the weekend and confirmed that "they remained committed to a lasting peace."