Trump hints at restoring intel ties with Ukraine
President Donald Trump acknowledged on Sunday that the United States has nearly resumed the exchange of intelligence information with Ukraine. When asked about the upcoming discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations set to take place on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, he conveyed a sense of optimism. However, he also remarked that Ukraine has not demonstrated a sufficient commitment to pursuing peace.
Reuters reported that when Trump was asked on board Air Force One, while returning from Florida to Washington, whether he was considering ending the suspension of intelligence support for Ukraine, he said: "We just about have. We just about have."
The American president also stated that he is optimistic about the talks between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha, set to take place on Tuesday in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Trump on Ukraine: I want them to want peace
"We're going to make a lot of progress, I believe, this week," Trump said, expressing confidence that Kyiv will sign an agreement with the U.S. on exploiting Ukrainian mineral resources.
"They will sign the minerals deal but I want them to want peace... They haven't shown it to extent they should," Trump emphasized.
The Ukrainian delegation will also include the head of the president's office Andriy Yermak, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Head of the President's Office Pavlo Palisa. In addition to Rubio, the U.S. will be represented by National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The meeting will take place at the same location and in a similar format to the meetings between the U.S. and Russian delegations in February. This time, the Russian side will not be participating in the talks.
