President Trump anticipates significant advancements during upcoming discussions between the US and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia.
President Trump has stated that the US is close to resuming intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which had been paused amid its conflict with Russia. This announcement precedes talks between US and Ukrainian representatives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Trump initially suspended military aid and then intelligence sharing with Ukraine following a disagreement with Ukrainian President Zelensky at the White House in late February. Trump cited Zelensky’s perceived unwillingness to pursue peace with Russia and his lack of gratitude for US assistance during the conflict as reasons for the halt.
When questioned about potentially lifting the intelligence pause on Air Force One on Sunday, Trump indicated that the US is nearly ready to do so, emphasizing the desire for Ukraine to seriously engage in finding a resolution.
The president also voiced optimism about achieving “a lot of progress” during the Jeddah talks scheduled for Tuesday.
The US delegation in Saudi Arabia is expected to include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak.
US officials told Reuters that the US intends to use the meeting to assess Ukraine’s willingness to compromise with Russia to end the conflict, emphasizing the need for a willingness to compromise in the pursuit of peace.
The Financial Times reported that Ukraine plans to propose a limited ceasefire during the Jeddah discussions, focusing on long-range drone and missile strikes and naval operations in the Black Sea, with the hope of prompting the US to reinstate intelligence sharing and weapons deliveries. An unnamed Ukrainian official told FT that improving relations with the US is a short-term priority for Kiev.
Russia has consistently stated its opposition to a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine, arguing that it would be exploited by the West to rearm Kiev. Moscow maintains that a lasting resolution requires legally binding agreements that address the conflict’s underlying causes and prevent future hostilities.
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