In Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, US President Donald Trump expressed optimism regarding upcoming discussions with Ukrainian officials, scheduled for Tuesday.

Trump remarked on Sunday, "We’re going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week," emphasizing the potential for significant advancements in negotiations.

The talks will focus on determining Ukraine's willingness to consider material concessions to Russia as part of efforts to conclude the ongoing conflict.

A central issue in the discussions is a minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine, which has been a point of contention.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its commitment to promoting peace, noting that the Kingdom has hosted numerous meetings over the past three years to address the Ukrainian crisis.

Trump indicated that he believes Ukraine will move forward with signing the minerals agreement, which is expected to include a US security guarantee.

He stated, "They will sign the minerals deal but I want them to want peace...

They haven’t shown it to the extent they should."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to the discussions with the US delegation.

The minerals accord, which would allow the US to access select mineral resources in Ukraine, had previously been slated for a signing during Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House, but discussions led to a conflict between the two leaders.

In a statement from the US Department of State, it was announced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also be present in Saudi Arabia from March 10-12 for meetings with Ukrainian officials, including Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, with a focus on promoting diplomatic solutions to the conflict.

The State Department confirmed that Rubio will also meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

As the talks approach, the international community continues to monitor developments regarding the war in Ukraine and the implications of US involvement in the peace process.