US and Ukrainian officials plan peace talks next week
Share and Follow

A crucial meeting between US and Ukraine officials over a peace agreement with Russia has been set for next week, a top Trump administration official says.

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said on Friday (AEDT) the meeting is planned to be held in Saudi Arabia.

The meeting signals a warming in US and Ukraine relations since the Oval Office blow-up between Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, centre, accompanied by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, speaks with reporters at the White House in Washington, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) (AP)

Following the row, the US cut off military aid for Ukraine and shut down intelligence sharing with the Ukrainian armed forces.

Witkoff confirmed the Ukrainian president had written to Trump following their fiery White House meeting.

“Zelenskyy sent a letter to the president. I think the president thought that it was a really good, positive first step and from that we have now, we’re now in discussions to coordinate a meeting with the Ukrainians.” he said.

In his nightly address, Zelenskyy said he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday and his team would stay on to hold talks with US officials.

“I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace,” Zelenskyy said.

The announcement came as Zelenskyy met European Union leaders for an emergency summit in Brussels on the Russia Ukraine war and security in Europe.

The leaders backed new defence spending plans aimed at freeing up billions of euros for the continent’s security after the Trump administration signalled that Europe would have to fend for itself in future.

From left, European Council President Antonio Costa, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the EU Summit in Brussels, on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Omar Havana) (AP)

The 27 leaders signed off on a move to loosen budget restrictions so that willing EU countries can increase their military spending.

They also urged the European Commission to explore new ways “to facilitate significant defense spending at national level in all Member States,” a statement said.

The EU’s executive branch estimates that around 650 billion euros ($AUS1.1 billion) could be freed up in this way.

Several East European leaders at the summit also welcomed French President Emmanueal Macron’s plan of sharing his country’s nuclear force to deter attacks.

But it was dismissed by the Russian government as “extremely confrontational.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Six Lives Lost in Iran Amid Intense Clashes Between Security Forces and Protesters

Protesters and security forces have clashed in three Iranian cities, with six…
Trump claims to know cause of worrying hand bruises

Trump Offers Insight into Cause of Concerning Hand Bruises

US President Donald Trump told The Wall Street Journal in an interview…

Khawaja Announces Retirement from International Cricket, Addresses Critics with Reflective Message

Veteran Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket.…
Searches resume for two people missing at NSW beaches after spate of drownings

Intensive Search Operations Underway for Missing Individuals Amidst Rising Drowning Incidents at NSW Beaches

Early yesterday morning, a young man in his 20s found himself in…
Former Victorian premiers join call for Bondi terror attack royal commission

Former Victorian Premiers Advocate for Royal Commission into Bondi Terror Attack

Exclusive: Several former Victorian premiers, including the most recently elected Liberal, Ted…

Daniel Sanders Aims for Consecutive Wins: Inside the 2026 Dakar Rally Ambitions

The countdown is on for the “world’s toughest motor race”, and last…
The destinations to avoid if you love steak on holiday - as the top vegan-friendly countries are revealed

Top Vegan-Friendly Countries to Consider if You’re a Steak Enthusiast Planning Your Next Holiday

For numerous Britons, savoring local cuisine ranks high on the agenda when…

Government Expresses Concern Over China’s Recent Beef Tariff Changes

Trade Minister Don Farrell has said the government is “disappointed” with China’s…