High-Stakes Diplomacy: The Upcoming U.S.-Ukraine Meeting in Saudi Arabia
The upcoming meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia on March 11, 2025, is poised to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. With tensions high and stakes even higher, the talks will test both sides' ability to navigate their conflicting priorities and strained relations. The Context: Strained Relations and Diplomatic Fallout The backdrop of this meeting is a contentious Oval Office encounter in February between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump. That meeting resulted in the suspension of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, leaving Kyiv in a precarious position. Since then, Zelenskyy has faced public criticism from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, further complicating diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy himself will not directly participate in the talks but is present in Saudi Arabia for separate discussions with Crown Prince ...