There is progress in US-Ukrainian talks, says National Security Adviser at the White House

White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said today that the United States is advancing in talks under a senior Ukrainian delegation, under way in the Saudi Arab city of Jedah.

Mr. Waltz made comments to reporters during a brief discussion pause. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is leading the American delegation, did not answer questions from reporters.

The meeting began at noon by local time in the Red Sea town. The parties decided to hold a pause after over three and a half hours of talks.
Andriy Yermak, chief of the cabinet of Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelensky, part of the Ukrainian delegation, in a post on the social X network; wrote “above”.

Mr. Yermak also estimated that “tation started very constructively”.

The Ukrainian delegation is expected to present a partial ceasefire plan with Russia during the meeting.

The Ukrainian plan includes halting long-range missile attacks and a ceasefire covering the Black Sea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not attending Tuesday's meeting. Ukraine is represented by its chief staff chief, Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andri Syhbiza, Defence Minister Rustem Umrov and Commander Pavlo Palisa.

Before the meeting, President Zelensky wrote in “X” that Ukraine hopes for “Practical results”.

Kremlin said the United States is making efforts to understand how much Kiev is willing for talks that will end the war.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz lead the US delegation amid President Donald Trump's efforts to mediate a quick end to the war that began in 2022.

Secretary Rubio said Monday that the United States hopes to find solutions to continue helping Ukraine.

He said Washington has gone to the meeting in order to understand what concessions Ukraine is willing to make.

The “Ukrains are now receiving all intelligence information. I hope we can resolve the issue of temporary aid ban. What will happen during the appointment has key significance for this matter”, Secretary Rubio told reporters aboard the plane on the way to Jedah, Saudi Arabia.

We will not discuss major issues during the meeting, but we will understand what concessions Ukrainians are willing to make”, Mr. Rubio said. He added that there is no military solution for war and that Russia and Ukraine should be able to make “difficult decisions”.

On Monday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Secretary Rubio in the Red Sea town of Jedah where the US-Ukraine meeting is being held.

Prince Salman met separately with President Zelensky in Riyadh before meeting with the U.S. top diplomat.

Will the Mineral Agreement Be Reached?

President Trump has said that continuing military support for Kiev depends on the deal on rare Ukrainian minerals.

Dozens of minerals, including those valued as rare; eel and lithium are valued with critical importance to the American economy and national defence. Ukraine has large deposits of uranium, lithium and titanium.

However, Secretary Rubio clarified that reaching the deal on Ukrainian minerals is not the main goal of the talks being held today (on Tuesday).

There are still some details to be clarified. We want to sign an agreement and for that it takes a time”, Mr. Rubio said.

I wouldn't prejudge the outcome of the appointment on whether we have a mineral deal or not. This is a matter of importance, but it's not the main theme of the meeting”, Secretary Rubio added.

He welcomed the constructive role of France and Britain on talks with Ukraine.

Secretary Rubio told Voice of America that no role has been discussed for China in preserving peace and rebuilding Ukraine.

This is Secretary Rubio's second visit to Saudi Arabia. He and other senior United States officials have met with a Russian delegation to Riyadh on 18 February.

It will go to Canada on Wednesday to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the world's seven most developed countries.


Some information about this article was received by news agencies “Associated Press”, “Agence France-Press” and “Reuters”. / VOA