US-Ukraine talks start in Saudi Arabia after major drone attack on Russia

US-Ukraine in first meeting since Trump-Zelensky clash
Ukraine conducted major overnight drone attack on Russia
Zelensky has pushed for truce in air and at sea

Ukrainian and US officials began their talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to find a path towards ending the war with Russia, hours after Kyiv’s forces launched their largest drone attack on Moscow to date.

President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes the talks in Jeddah will revive “pragmatic” US ties after his disastrous meeting with US President Donald Trump last month and he has suggested an initial truce with Russia in the air and at sea.

The proposal is aimed at demonstrating he is working towards Trump’s objective to end the war at lightning speed, after the US president accused the Ukrainian leader of not being ready for peace and pressed on with direct talks with Russia.

The United States, Kyiv’s main ally since the 2022 invasion, has upended its policy on the war and piled pressure on Ukraine, stopping military assistance and pausing intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

“We hope for practical outcomes,” Zelensky said ahead of the talks in a post on X late on Monday. “Ukraine’s position in these talks will be fully constructive.”

Ukraine has proposed an immediate cessation of air and sea strikes, but wants security guarantees before its infantry lays down its arms. The United States is pressing for an immediate, comprehensive cease-fire. And Russia, which is not at the talks, has signaled that it wants concessions of its own before halting the war it started.

Overnight, Ukraine launched its biggest drone attack on Moscow to date, killing at least two workers at a meat warehouse, injuring 18 others and causing a short shutdown at the Russian capital’s four airports.

Discussions on Military and Financial Support

The meeting is expected to focus on military aid, financial assistance, and future strategic cooperation. The United States remains Ukraine’s largest military backer, providing billions of dollars in weapons, including long-range missile systems and air defense equipment.

With Russia’s invasion nearing its third year, Ukraine is pushing for additional Western support as it faces supply shortages on the battlefield. The drone assault on Moscow, which resulted in two deaths and significant disruptions, underscores Ukraine’s increasing use of long-range strikes to pressure Russia.

Saudi Arabia’s Role as a Mediator

Hosting the talks positions Saudi Arabia as an influential diplomatic player in the conflict. Riyadh has maintained ties with both Kyiv and Moscow, previously organizing peace summits aimed at fostering dialogue. While Saudi Arabia has not taken an explicitly pro-Ukrainian stance, it has provided humanitarian aid and expressed support for a negotiated settlement.

Zelensky’s Absence

Although Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Jeddah on March 10, he will not attend the US-Ukraine talks. Instead, his top officials will lead discussions with Washington, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic coordination between the two allies.

A Critical Moment in the War

The meeting comes at a time when Ukraine is facing escalating Russian offensives in the east while launching increasingly bold strikes inside Russia. The outcome of the Jeddah talks could shape the next phase of US military aid and strategic decisions, especially as Ukraine pushes for additional support to sustain its defense efforts.