In a significant development, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the United States is on the verge of lifting its freeze on intelligence sharing with Ukraine. This announcement comes as American and Ukrainian negotiators prepare for crucial bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at advancing a peace deal to conclude Russia's ongoing invasion, which has persisted for over three years.
While aboard Air Force One, Trump responded to inquiries regarding the resumption of intelligence sharing, stating, "Well, we just about have." He emphasized the U.S. commitment to support Ukraine, saying, "We want to do anything we can to get Ukraine serious about getting something done." This marks a notable shift from the unwavering support for Ukraine demonstrated by the previous administration under President Joe Biden.
Trump’s administration has notably distanced itself from the previous ironclad backing of Ukraine. The president has previously made controversial statements, falsely blaming Ukraine for instigating the war and attempting to undermine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's legitimacy. Additionally, he has sought to pressure Kyiv into a controversial minerals sharing deal while freezing military aid and intelligence support to compel concessions from Ukraine towards Russia.
The upcoming talks in Riyadh are designed to revitalize U.S.-Ukraine relations following weeks of strained communications, highlighted by a tense confrontation in the Oval Office involving Trump, Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance. The U.S. delegation, which includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, is set to engage with the Ukrainian team led by Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy's presidential office.
Trump expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the talks, suggesting that the U.S. delegation anticipates Ukraine to exhibit a willingness to pursue peace. "We'll be looking at a lot of things," he stated, highlighting the importance of the upcoming meetings which will also include representatives from Russia. "I think everybody wants to see it get done," he added, indicating a collective desire for progress.
On Monday, Zelenskyy is set to travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with the kingdom's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman. In a social media post, Zelenskyy stated, "Tomorrow, we will continue working to bring peace closer," emphasizing the importance of the ongoing discussions with the U.S. team and expressing hope for tangible results. He reiterated Ukraine's long-standing pursuit of peace and attributed the continuation of the conflict to Russia's actions.
The apparent rift in U.S.-Ukraine relations has raised alarms among European leaders, who are rallying support around Zelenskyy. Many are urging him to mend his relationship with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, Russian officials have expressed satisfaction, suggesting that the Trump administration's position aligns more closely with the Kremlin's perspective.
Trump and his administration have indicated that both Ukraine and Russia may need to make concessions to achieve a peace deal. Last week, Trump hinted on Truth Social about the possibility of imposing large-scale sanctions and tariffs on Russia until a deal is reached, acknowledging the current military situation in Ukraine. He also mentioned receiving "strong signals" from Russia indicating a willingness to negotiate.
Despite the diplomatic efforts, both Russia and Ukraine are continuing their long-range missile and drone campaigns. Recent strikes by Russia have drawn condemnation from various European nations. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked on social media, highlighting the consequences of appeasing aggression. Over the weekend, Russia launched a significant number of attack drones into Ukraine, with the Ukrainian air force reporting the interception of many of these threats.
As the U.S. and Ukraine prepare for talks in Saudi Arabia, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to a resolution of the ongoing conflict.
