US President Donald Trump is likely expecting not only a mining deal but also much greater concessions from Kyiv before resuming military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The White House's specific terms for renewing support remain unclear, CBS News reports.
According to diplomatic sources, there are currently no signs that Washington will return to active assistance to Kyiv anytime soon. At the same time, US officials claim that the aid has not been completely stopped, but only suspended.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, this week. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who is considered a close confidant of Trump, will also be participating in the talks.
The Ukrainian side at the negotiations will be represented by the Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiga, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Pavlo Palisa.
According to a State Department official, Ukraine's decision to send a high-ranking delegation to the talks demonstrates Kyiv's willingness to "move forward." At the same time, NBC News reports that Washington views the minerals deal as only one step, not enough to fully restore support for Ukraine.
Western media write that Trump may demand from Zelensky not only territorial concessions, but also certain steps towards holding elections in Ukraine, and possibly a change in the country's leadership.
The Ukrainian side, in turn, will try to convince the US of the need to resume intelligence sharing and military support. Kyiv is reportedly ready to offer a partial ceasefire with Russia as one option for reaching a compromise.
The talks in Saudi Arabia could be key to determining the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations. So far, the White House has been cautious on military aid and intelligence, but their final decision could depend on Kyiv’s willingness to make the concessions that Trump and his entourage see as necessary to “achieve peace.”.
