The Ukraine conflict: What the United States, Russia, and Europe are considering prior to peace talks in Saudi Arabia.

 

Global politics is experiencing yet another tumultuous week. Recently, the world witnessed an unprecedented confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Following this, Zelensky embarked on a tour of Europe, engaging in discussions with European allies and participating in a conference.

European nations are now actively working to enhance their security measures. Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine.

Attention is now focused on another initiative concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as U.S. and Ukrainian peace negotiators are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week.

What are the major stakeholders considering ahead of this meeting? Let us explore the insights provided by four BBC journalists who have analyzed recent events.

United States: Trump has formed an alliance with Moscow.General Keith Kellogg, an envoy for Trump, characterized the cessation of U.S. military assistance as akin to "striking a donkey with a stick." He stated, "You have captured their attention. This is very important... What President Trump truly desires now entirely depends on them."

Despite this, the week concludes with several members of the Trump administration's top foreign policy team engaging in conciliatory discussions. They are set to meet with representatives from Ukraine in Saudi Arabia next week.

In a rare occurrence, Trump criticized Moscow last Friday, as he is not typically known for condemning Russia. He has threatened to impose stricter sanctions on Russia and tariffs on Russian goods, aiming to halt the indiscriminate bombing of Ukraine by Russian forces.

Russia: Ongoing Assault on Ukraine, Leaders Relish Western Divisions  

Analyzed by: Vitaly Shevchenko, Editor of BBC Monitoring Russia  

This past week has unfolded under significant pressure on Ukraine, prior to renewed threats of sanctions from Trump. Russia has appeared relatively unconcerned.  

For the first time since the onset of total war, the complete suspension of U.S. military and intelligence support has dealt a severe blow to Ukraine. This development has significantly enhanced Russia's prospects on the battlefield.  

Observing the lethal attacks across Ukraine, it seems that Russia is quite pleased. The country continues to assert that it must achieve the original objectives of its "special military operation," which includes the further annexation of Ukrainian territory. Russia remains resistant to signing any ceasefire agreements or allowing peacekeeping forces.

Putin has achieved this not through gunfire on the battlefield, but rather due to the astonishing turnaround of Ukraine's largest ally. Russian officials will closely monitor the upcoming Ukraine-U.S. meeting in Saudi Arabia next Tuesday, and they appear to be quite confident.

Leaders from various countries and alliances, including Europe, are gathering to discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. In London, United Kingdom, on March 2, 2025. 

Ukraine: A week marked by devastation, Zelensky prepares for new discussions. 

Analysis by: Myroslava Petsa, BBC Ukraine, and Daniel Wittenberg, BBC World Service. 

For the war-torn President of Ukraine, this has been a week filled with destruction, emotion, and activity. He has reiterated his commitment to peace while ensuring that Western military support remains intact.

Trump asserted that Zelensky must publicly apologize, a request that Zelensky has rejected. However, he later wrote a letter to the U.S. President, in which he described the altercation at the White House as "regrettable." 

Zelensky has not remained passive in addressing potential damages; he has sought to strengthen support from European nations in Brussels and has also attempted to garner public backing. Nevertheless, he has not received the level of military assistance he had anticipated.

Zelensky has called on European Union leaders to support a "limited ceasefire at sea and in the air," a concept that has primarily received backing from French President Emmanuel Macron. Discussions between representatives from Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next week.

European leaders have suddenly come to the realization that the "security umbrella" they have relied upon since the end of World War II is no longer viable. The current context in Europe has brought these concerns to the forefront more rapidly than anticipated. 

There exists a broad consensus among European nations to support Ukraine. Should a peace agreement be reached, France and the United Kingdom have proposed the formation of a "coalition of willing nations." However, Russia is not in favor of this idea. Nevertheless, President Macron plans to convene military leaders next Tuesday to develop a coordinated strategy.

The most pressing question now is how Europe will ensure its own defense. This situation has been characterized by Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, as a "clear and present danger." President Macron has stated, "If the United States is willing to assist..."

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