JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia — High-level discussions between senior officials from Ukraine and the United States commenced in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, focusing on efforts to end Kyiv’s three-year conflict with Russia. The talks follow a significant overnight drone attack in which Russian air defenses intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones across 10 regions in what is believed to be the most extensive drone assault on Russian territory since the war began.
Russian authorities reported that the attack resulted in two fatalities and 18 injuries, including three children. Despite the scale of the assault, officials indicated that no major structural damage occurred.
In Jeddah, reporters briefly witnessed the opening of the diplomatic meeting, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian representatives gathered in a luxury hotel. Rubio appeared composed, while Ukrainian officials maintained a serious demeanor. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister was also present, underscoring the significance of the negotiations. Officials from both delegations refrained from commenting on the drone strikes.
Diplomatic Objectives
The negotiations provide an opportunity for Ukraine to mend ties with the Trump administration following tensions that arose during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on February 28. Central to Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts is its bid to persuade Washington to reinstate suspended military aid and intelligence-sharing agreements. U.S. officials have indicated that successful talks could lead to a temporary rather than indefinite suspension of support.
Ukrainian sources informed The Associated Press that Kyiv intends to propose a ceasefire agreement covering the Black Sea region to facilitate safer shipping routes. The proposal also includes halting long-range missile strikes that have impacted civilian areas and discussions on prisoner exchanges.
Another focal point of the discussions is a potential agreement granting U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals—resources that hold strategic importance for President Trump’s administration. Speaking en route to Jeddah, Rubio emphasized that the U.S. delegation would not dictate specific peace terms but would instead gauge Ukraine’s position and assess the extent of divergence between Ukrainian and Russian demands.
Russia’s Stance and Battlefield Developments
The Kremlin has not publicly offered concessions, maintaining that any cessation of hostilities must include Ukraine abandoning its NATO ambitions and recognizing Russian control over occupied territories. Russia currently controls nearly 20% of Ukraine’s land.
Despite sustaining heavy losses in personnel and equipment, Russian forces have retained battlefield momentum, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region. Ukraine, meanwhile, has concentrated efforts on enhancing its defense capabilities, notably in drone warfare, which has enabled strikes deep into Russian territory.
Extent of the Drone Assault
According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the Ukrainian drone attack saw 126 drones downed over the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces hold some positions, and another 91 intercepted over Moscow’s surrounding areas. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that more than 70 drones targeted the capital, marking the most significant drone offensive against Moscow since the war began.
Authorities in Moscow confirmed damage to several residential buildings and vehicles, with minor damage recorded on the facade of a multi-story building. Temporary flight restrictions were imposed at several major airports, including Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Sheremetyevo, and Zhukovsky, as well as airports in Yaroslavl and Nizhny Novgorod.
As diplomatic talks progress in Saudi Arabia, the international community remains watchful for any potential breakthroughs that could pave the way toward de-escalating the ongoing conflict.
