Axios: US, Ukraine plan high-level talks in Saudi Arabia on March 12

High-ranking officials from the United States and Ukraine are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on March 12 to discuss efforts toward a ceasefire in Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Axios.

This marks the first high-level engagement between US and Ukrainian officials following last week’s tense exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensyky in the Oval Office. That confrontation triggered a major diplomatic crisis, leading to the suspension of US military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.

The upcoming meeting in Riyadh follows a separate discussion between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia two weeks ago. News of that meeting, which Ukrainian leaders learned about through media reports, caused frustration in Kyiv, as Ukraine was not invited to participate.

The decision to hold talks next week was reached during a phone call on March 5 between White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, according to one source.

The meeting, expected to take place in Riyadh, will include White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio alongside Waltz. On the Ukrainian side, Yermak will lead the delegation.

Additionally, Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia next on March 10-11, where he is expected to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Speaking at a White House briefing on March 6, Witkoff confirmed the meeting and emphasized its focus on securing an initial ceasefire and establishing a framework for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Trump, according to Witkoff, viewed a recent letter from Zelenskyy as a “good first step,” noting that it contained an apology, an acknowledgement of US support for Ukraine, and a tone of gratitude.

The meeting’s location is still being finalized, with options being Riyadh or Jeddah. “I think it will be a good meeting,” Witkoff said. “Hopefully, it will send a positive signal to the Russians.”

Speaking in Brussels on March 6, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and the US had “resumed work” and expressed optimism that the upcoming meeting would be “meaningful.”

Neither the White House nor Yermak’s office has issued an official comment on the meeting.

Ukrainian officials have signalled their continued willingness to sign the US-Ukraine minerals agreement, which was originally set to be finalized by Zelenskyy and Trump on February 28 but was postponed following their Oval Office meeting.

By Tamilla Hasanova