Ukraine and US Diplomats Seek Breakthrough in Saudi Peace Talks

A Ukrainian delegation is meeting with US officials in Saudi Arabia to propose a ceasefire with Russia and discuss a potential deal on Ukraine's rare earth minerals. The talks aim to rebuild diplomatic ties strained after a previous visit's fallout, focusing on conditions for lasting peace.

A Ukrainian delegation is poised to meet with top US diplomats in Saudi Arabia, aiming for progress in the three-year conflict with Russia. The agenda includes proposing a Black Sea ceasefire, long-range missile strike halts, and a prisoner release, according to two senior Ukrainian officials.

The Ukrainian team is prepared to discuss access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals with the US, a deal President Donald Trump is eager to broker. The talks come as Kyiv seeks to mend ties after a turbulent diplomatic encounter between Ukraine President Zelenskyy and Trump earlier this year.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with national security adviser Mike Waltz, will assess Ukraine's responses during these discussions. Meanwhile, talks in Jeddah underscore the geopolitical importance of Saudi Arabia as a diplomatic platform, with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaging both Rubio and Zelenskyy on regional security matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)