Talks with US in Jeddah may be Ukraine’s last chance - Economist
The United States and Ukraine are preparing for talks in Jeddah, which will take place 10 days after the dispute between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump at the White House.
This was reported by The Economist, Censor.NET informs.
The US said that the main purpose of the meeting was to create "a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire."
However, Ukraine fears that this could be a delaying tactic or an attempt by Trump to obtain concessions favourable to Russia. The meeting comes at a time when Russia is stepping up its pressure.
According to the publication, the talks will be attended by influential representatives of both sides. The US delegation will be headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Steve Witkoff, who recently met with Vladimir Putin, may play a key role.
Ukraine's delegation will be headed by Andrii Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umierov and Pavlo Palisa.
"One problem, however, is that Mr Yermak is not popular with the Trump team," The Economist writes.
Ukraine is coordinating its negotiating positions with France and the United Kingdom, which act as intermediaries between the White House and Kyiv. One of the key goals is to conclude a joint mineral development agreement with the US. On 7 March, Zelenskyy also proposed a ceasefire in the air and at sea. Western officials hope that such steps will create the impression that Kyiv is ready to cooperate with the Trump administration. If Russia rejects these proposals, the United States will be forced to act more firmly against Putin.
Ukraine is likely to insist that any agreement that restricts its right to rearm, recognises occupied territories as Russian, or interferes in its internal affairs (for example, by requiring elections under martial law) is unacceptable.
What does Russia want?
The newspaper's sources claim that Putin may agree to a truce, but under certain conditions. However, other experts believe this is a diplomatic manoeuvre. A source close to the Kremlin claims that Russia is demanding that Ukraine declare neutrality and refuse from foreign peacekeepers.
Former US special envoy for Ukraine Kurt Volker said that Russia would reject any ceasefire. He added that the US and Russia are using the tactic of gradual demands, forcing Kyiv to make gradual concessions.
Analysts fear that the failure of the talks could lead to increased pressure from Washington.
A source said that the stakes of the 11 March talks could not be higher. If they fail, Ukraine is unlikely to get another chance.
"The Americans will force whatever they and Russia decide on us," he summed up.
