US, Ukraine Set for Key Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia

U.S. officials are set to meet with Ukrainian representatives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate Ukraine's willingness to negotiate a peace deal with Russia amidst ongoing tensions with the Trump administration. The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to determine if Ukraine is prepared to make territorial concessions as part of a 'realistic peace' agreement. President Zelenskyy has expressed Ukraine's commitment to dialogue but emphasizes that its interests must be prioritized. Tensions have escalated following a contentious exchange between Zelenskyy and Trump, resulting in a freeze on military aid and intelligence sharing from the U.S. Critics, including European allies, warn against pressuring Ukraine into unfavorable concessions while Russia continues its military aggression. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, with concerns that they could be a tactic to extract concessions benefiting Russia.