US and Ukraine to hold talks on ending war in Jeddah today

(Patria) - The world is eagerly awaiting today's peace talks on Ukraine, which will be held in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah.

The talks will involve the US and Ukrainian delegations, but neither President Volodymyr Zelensky nor Donald Trump will be present; instead, their closest aides will attend.

This will be the first talks between the two countries since the fiasco at the White House meeting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Trump's envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, have arrived in Saudi Jeddah for bilateral talks with the Ukrainians.

The Ukrainian delegation is led by Andriy Yermak, President Zelensky's chief of staff.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Saudi Arabia yesterday, but for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Today's talks between US and Ukrainian officials are the first official meeting since Zelensky's unsuccessful White House meeting.

Trump's envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said he has high hopes for today's talks.

- I think we are going there with the expectation of making significant progress - Witkoff said in an interview with Fox News.

Asked if he thinks Zelensky will come to the US again this week to sign a rare minerals agreement, Witkoff said: "I really hope so. All signs are very, very positive."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a conversation with reporters yesterday on his way to Jeddah, echoed that optimism, although he stressed there are still details to be worked out regarding the minerals agreement.

Zelensky said he will not attend today's talks with US officials and that the Ukrainian delegation will include his chief of staff, the ministers of foreign affairs and defense, and a senior military official.

"For our part, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue and hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to act quickly and effectively," Zelensky posted on X.