Presidential office head confirms ongoing collaboration between Ukrainian, US officials

Head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak has said that Ukrainian and US officials continue their collaborative efforts.

In a recent post on his Telegram channel, Yermak provided an update on the ongoing discussions between the Ukrainian and US delegations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

"Work is underway," Yermak wrote, offering a brief comment on the outcome of the lengthy negotiations.

However, he did not provide any further details regarding the content of the talks. Ukrainian and US officials held hours of private discussions in Saudi Arabia on March 11, aiming to find a way to end the ongoing war with Russia, following Kyiv's most significant drone strike on Moscow overnight. 

Both Ukrainians and concerned allies were closely watching for any indications of progress—or worsening—in Kyiv's strained transatlantic relations, especially after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's unsuccessful talks with US President Donald Trump the previous month.

Under Trump, Kyiv’s former strongest ally shifted its stance on the war, increasing pressure on Ukraine by refusing to offer security guarantees in any peace agreement, while halting military aid and intelligence sharing.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking to reporters on his way to the talks in Jeddah, emphasised that the meeting would be crucial in determining if Ukraine is prepared to make concessions to achieve peace.

After more than three hours of discussions, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz took a break with Rubio and told reporters, "We're getting there." UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a strong ally of Kyiv, told Trump on March 10 that he hoped US military aid and intelligence sharing could be restored following a "positive outcome" from the talks. 

"Dear Americans, dear Ukrainians, don't waste this chance. The whole world is watching you in Jeddah today. Good luck!" Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on X.

By Naila Huseynova