US In Talks With Ukraine About Saudi Arabia Meeting - Middle East Envoy

ISTANBUL, March 7 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- The United States (US) is in discussions with Ukraine to hold a meeting in Saudi Arabia to advance peace efforts with Russia, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday.

The talks follow a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to US President Donald Trump, which Witkoff said Trump saw as a “positive first step”.

“There was an apology, there was an acknowledgment that the United States has done so much for the country of Ukraine, and a sense of gratitude,” Witkoff told reporters at the White House in describing the tone of Zelenskyy’s letter.

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“We are now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh or even potentially Jeddah,” he said. “The idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.”

“I think it'll be a good meeting. I really do believe that, hopefully, that will be a good signal to the Russians, because they have been proactive, too, in wanting to get something done here,” said Witkoff, expressing optimism about the potential for progress.

He said that the important thing now is to bring the two sides together, "to constantly narrow the gap,” underscoring the goal of bridging differences between Ukraine and Russia.

Media reports on Thursday suggested an American delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Witkoff will travel to the Saudi capital on Tuesday.

Asked if a minerals deal, which would give the US increased economic interests in Ukraine, would be signed during the trip, Witkoff responded: “Well, I think Zelensky has offered to sign it, and we'll see if he follows through.”

On the pause in US aid to Ukraine, Witkoff said: “I would think at some point ... hopefully we get things back on track with the Ukrainians and everything resumes. That's what I would hope for.”

Tensions between the US and Ukraine escalated last week following Zelenskyy's contentious meeting with Trump during a visit to Washington, after which the US announced a pause in aid to Ukraine.

Recent days have shown signs of softening relations, with Waltz on Wednesday describing Zelenskyy's willingness to negotiate with Russia as a "positive step forward" to ending the conflict.

The American delegation previously met Russian officials in Riyadh on Feb 18, marking the most extensive discussions between US and Russian officials since the war in Ukraine started in February 2022.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU