Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed his delegation to attend crucial talks with the United States scheduled for March 10 in Saudi Arabia. This delegation comes at a time of mounting tension between Ukraine and the U.S., particularly over President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure on Ukraine to expedite peace negotiations with Russia.
Zelensky announced via social media that his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, would lead the Ukrainian team, accompanied by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa. These talks are expected to be high-stakes, with the U.S. team including key figures such as Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
The talks, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, are being closely watched as the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate. Zelensky will meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 10, while the rest of the Ukrainian delegation will engage in discussions with the U.S. delegation the following day. This marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict that has rocked Europe for over a year.
The meetings are taking place against the backdrop of a highly publicized and tense encounter between Zelensky and U.S. President Trump on February 28, 2025. Zelensky had flown to Washington, D.C. to sign a vital minerals and natural resources deal but left without a signed agreement after being insulted by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The diplomatic fallout from this incident led to a dramatic shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations, with the U.S. halting military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The move has had devastating consequences for Ukraine’s frontlines, particularly in the occupied Kursk region, where over 10,000 Ukrainian troops are now facing possible encirclement.
Since the cancellation of military aid, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz suggested on March 5 that the U.S. may resume support contingent on successful peace negotiations and the establishment of confidence-building measures between Ukraine and Russia.
As Ukraine grapples with increasing pressure from both Russia and its former ally, the U.S., the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia could set the tone for the future of international support in the conflict. The Ukrainian delegation is expected to press for renewed military assistance and diplomatic backing, while the U.S. may push for a peace agreement that could include territorial concessions from Ukraine.
The outcome of the talks is highly anticipated, as the U.S. is still a critical player in Ukraine’s military defense, and the stakes have never been higher. As tensions rise, both parties are keen to ensure they secure their interests, with Ukraine seeking to avoid further losses and the U.S. looking for a long-term resolution to the crisis.
