Ukraine seeks rare metals accord amid talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday. Talks between the White House and Kyiv delegations are scheduled for Tuesday, but the president will not participate in them. It is understood that the U.S. representatives seek to finalize an agreement on rare metals. There has also been speculation regarding Ukraine's expectations.
On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Jeddah, where talks to bring peace to Ukraine will be held. However, the president will not participate in the negotiations.
On Monday, he will meet with Saudi Arabian Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions are expected to focus on security issues, military assistance, and peace initiatives.
U.S.-Ukraine talks on Tuesday: Will they mark the beginning of the path to peace?
Before Zelensky's arrival, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio landed in Saudi Arabia. However, there has been no news regarding a possible conversation with the Ukrainian leader.
Rubio will represent the White House at the meeting with the Ukrainian delegation. The meeting will address bilateral relations and methods to achieve peace.
The Ukrainian delegation will include the head of the president's office, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybihy, and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
Information has emerged in the Ukrainian media about possible demands from the Ukrainian side. During the negotiations with the U.S., the Kyiv delegation will propose establishing a ceasefire regime at sea and a ban on long-range attacks.
These reports appeared on Telegram and the Ukrainian site Suspilnenowiny. Additionally, the tsn.ue portal reports that Ukraine will also insist on releasing prisoners. It also suggests that the Ukrainian delegation is prepared to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals during the meeting.
Furthermore, this week in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. delegation will meet with representatives from Ukraine and Russia. The talks will be held separately.
