Stakes are sky-high: White House expected to reveal its vision for ending the war during Riyadh talks

Kyiv and its allies are hoping recent tensions with Washington were just part of a strategic ploy. The White House’s suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing — along with demands for a share of Ukraine’s mineral resources and a public apology from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — are seen by some as a negotiating tactic.

“This is just tough rhetoric ahead of difficult negotiations,” CNN noted.

Still, significant changes in US policy are hard to ignore, and Europe is struggling to adjust. The Trump administration no longer seems to view itself as Ukraine’s ally but rather as a mediator between Kyiv and Moscow. According to CNN, this shift appears tied to Trump’s hope of rehabilitating Russia’s image on the global stage.

Although Trump has said he’s “seriously considering” new sanctions against Moscow, there’s been no sign of concrete action.

For Kyiv, the Riyadh talks carry immense weight. The US is pushing for a rare-earth metals deal — a clear sign of Washington’s interest in Ukraine’s natural resources. But even more crucial is what the White House will reveal about its vision for peace.

CNN reported that Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, denied that the upcoming talks are tied to the peace plan discussed in Istanbul in March 2022. However, Kellogg admitted that the document is “at least a starting point.”

The Istanbul plan, CNN explained, was essentially a form of capitulation — not full surrender, but a move that would leave Ukraine unable to defend itself effectively if Russia violated a cease-fire and attacked again.

“The pressure on Ukraine suggests that Tuesday’s meeting in Riyadh — already burdened with extraordinarily high stakes after the Oval Office disaster just over a week ago — isn’t designed to be a simple, joyful moment of reconciliation,” CNN wrote. “We may find out what kind of peace Trump envisions, and how closely it aligns with Moscow’s ambitions.”

CNN also warned that Russia often uses peace talks to stall for time, giving its military an advantage. Yet Trump’s apparent belief that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin can be trusted — and that the Kremlin truly seeks peace — now shapes US policy and is redefining America’s role in the war Russia launched against Ukraine.

The coming week may offer some answers about what Trump means when he speaks of “peace.” According to CNN, the outcome could leave Ukraine facing devastating consequences.

On March 8, Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed who will represent Ukraine at the talks. The delegation will include Presidential Office head Andrii Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Presidential Office head Pavlo Palisa.

“Our side will be focused on constructive dialogue,” Zelenskyy said. “We hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps.”