On Tuesday, senior officials from Ukraine and the United States commenced discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict ignited by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This meeting came shortly after a significant Russian drone assault, during which their air defences intercepted 343 Ukrainian drones, marking the most extensive attack since the incursion began three years ago. The attack, spanning ten Russian regions, resulted in three fatalities and injuries to 18, including three children.
Simultaneously, the Russian military deployed 126 drones, including Shahed models, alongside a ballistic missile targeting Ukraine, continuing its strategy of striking civilian locations. During the talks, which included high-level diplomats from both Ukraine and the US, there was a notable disparity in demeanour; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared upbeat, while Ukrainian representatives maintained a serious composure, focusing on achieving a fair and lasting peace, underlining the necessity of security guarantees to avert further Russian aggression.
In the aftermath of increased hostilities, including Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and ongoing confrontations in eastern Ukraine, the Jeddah meeting represented an opportunity for Ukraine to mend relations with the US post a contentious incident during President Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House. Ukrainian officials indicated the need to address the suspension of US military aid, which had been a consequence of that diplomatic fallout. They proposed a ceasefire across the Black Sea to facilitate safer shipping and called for long-range missile strikes to be reconsidered, expressing readiness to negotiate the terms of a potential deal regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
Rubio confirmed that the US delegation would listen to Ukraine’s proposals without setting preconditions, fostering a more open dialogue. While potential agreements on minerals could be on the table, they were not prerequisites for engaging in further discussions. However, the Kremlin has maintained its stance, insisting that Ukraine must forgo its NATO aspirations and acknowledge Russian-occupied territories as part of Russia before any cessation of hostilities could be entertained.
As the talks progressed, Ukraine continued to enhance its military capabilities, particularly in drone technology, which has allowed for deeper strikes into Russian territory. The recent attempted drone attacks on Moscow, where over 70 drones targeted the capital, underscored the severity of the conflict. This escalation in violence has led to disruptions in air travel around Moscow and highlighted the ongoing tensions that both nations must navigate in their pursuit of peace.