US and Ukrainian Officials Meet in Saudi Arabia for Peace Talks Amid Shifting Support

Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia

• 🇸🇦 U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to hold peace talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
• 🇺🇸 Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to the meeting, which follows a recent dispute between President Zelensky and President Trump.

Shifting U.S. Support for Ukraine

• ⚠️ There is deep anxiety in Ukraine and Europe about President Trump's recent actions regarding U.S. support.
• 🤝 The U.S. had suspended the delivery of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, though President Trump indicated intelligence sharing has been largely lifted.
• 📊 One Ukrainian poll shows trust in President Zelensky has soared to 68% following his public dressing down at the White House.

Ukraine's Desire for Peace and Security Guarantees

• 🕊️ President Zelensky has stressed that Ukraine has always wanted peace.
• 🛡️ However, the fear is that Russia could use a ceasefire to regroup and invade again, leading Ukraine to seek U.S. contributions to security guarantees.

Diplomatic Leverage and Realities

• ⚖️ Michael O'Hanlon suggests the Trump administration hasn't fully decided how to use its leverage against President Zelensky and Russia.
• 🗺️ O'Hanlon believes President Trump has a point that Ukraine may not have the leverage to retake all occupied territory, but emphasizes Russia should not dictate Ukraine's future as a sovereign nation.
• 🌍 Most of the world still supports Ukraine's independence, giving Ukraine significant backing.