U.S. and Ukrainian officials are working to arrange a meeting in Saudi Arabia next week to establish a framework for a ceasefire with Russia and a potential peace agreement, President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff told reporters Thursday.
“We are now in discussion to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians in Riyadh or even potentially Jeddah,” Witkoff said outside the White House. “So the city is moving around a little bit, but it will be Saudi Arabia. And I think the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well.”
Zelensky confirmed Wednesday that discussions were underway to organize a meeting with U.S. officials. His top aide, Andriy Yermak, has been in talks with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
Zelensky has been working to mend ties with Trump after their Oval Office clash, which was followed by the U.S. halting military assistance to Ukraine and cutting off intelligence sharing, hindering Kyiv’s ability to strike high-value Russian targets. He recently sent a letter to Trump and made public appeals expressing his desire to restore relations, including his intent to move forward with a minerals deal that was shelved after their fallout.
Witkoff stopped short of committing to reviving the agreement. “I think Zelensky has offered to sign it, and we’ll see if he follows through,” he said.
