Ukraine Seeks Stronger Ties Amid U.S. Policy Shift
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of a crucial summit between Ukrainian and U.S. officials. The visit comes as Ukraine tries to mend relations with Washington following a heated February meeting in the Oval Office. With military aid and intelligence-sharing on the line, the discussions could shape Ukraine’s future as it continues to defend itself against Russia.
A Diplomatic Mission in Jeddah
Zelenskyy and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Jeddah hours apart, setting the stage for Tuesday’s Ukraine-U.S. summit. However, the two leaders were not scheduled to meet directly. Instead, Zelenskyy was expected to speak with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after sunset, following the Ramadan fast. Meanwhile, Rubio was also set to meet with the crown prince, discussing Ukraine’s position with national security adviser Mike Waltz.
Ukraine’s Fight for Continued Support
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has heavily relied on U.S. military assistance. However, political tensions have placed that support in jeopardy. Rubio emphasized the importance of understanding Ukraine’s position, stating, “What we want to know is, are they interested in entering some sort of peace conversation?” He acknowledged the devastating toll on Ukraine, adding, “They have suffered greatly, and their people have suffered greatly.”
While Rubio refrained from setting conditions on Ukraine, he noted that discussions would assess how far Kyiv is willing to go toward negotiations. “I think we want to listen to see how far they’re willing to go and then compare that to what the Russians want and see how far apart we truly are,” he said.
European Allies Left Watching
As Ukraine navigates its relationship with the U.S., European nations have felt sidelined. The European Union recently took steps to strengthen its defenses, allocating billions of euros for security in response to the shifting U.S. stance. With the Trump administration pushing for a new approach to Ukraine, European leaders remain uncertain about their role in the evolving situation.
Intelligence-Sharing Remains a Concern
A major sticking point in U.S.-Ukraine relations has been intelligence-sharing. White House special envoy Steve Witkoff clarified that the U.S. has not cut off defensive intelligence, stating, “We never shut off intelligence for … anything defensive that the Ukrainians need.” However, a pause remains on intelligence that could be used for offensive operations. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, suggested that the Saudi talks might lead to progress in reinstating intelligence-sharing agreements.
High Stakes for Ukraine’s Future
As Zelenskyy’s team, including Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, prepares for the summit, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With U.S. support hanging in the balance and Europe’s role uncertain, Ukraine must navigate complex diplomatic waters. The outcome of these talks could determine not only the next steps in the war but also the broader geopolitical landscape.