United States and Ukrainian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a framework for ending the Russia-Ukraine war, marking a pivotal moment after Washington suspended military aid and intelligence sharing with Kyiv.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed plans for high-level discussions in Riyadh or Jeddah, aiming to establish a ceasefire and lay the groundwork for peace.

“The idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well,” Witkoff told reporters outside the White House on Thursday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also announced plans to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday, where he will meet with the Crown Prince before his team continues talks with US officials.

This marks the first meeting between US and Ukrainian officials since a heated February 28 exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House ended abruptly. In the aftermath, Trump cut off intelligence-sharing and military aid to Ukraine.

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However, a letter from Zelenskyy expressing readiness to negotiate appeared to shift the dynamic. Trump, speaking with reporters on Thursday, signaled optimism, stating, “Ukraine wants to make a deal… I also think Russia wants to make a deal.”

Witkoff noted that Zelenskyy has been apologetic about the White House confrontation and emphasized gratitude toward the US, though uncertainty remains over a proposed minerals deal that could deepen economic ties between Washington and Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russian forces launched a massive overnight attack on Ukrainian energy and gas infrastructure, firing 67 missiles and 194 drones. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting 34 missiles and 100 drones, but several cities, including Kharkiv and Ternopil, sustained damage.

Zelenskyy condemned the assault, calling on Russia to halt its attacks as a first step toward real peace.

With Washington’s aid to Kyiv on hold and diplomatic talks on the horizon, the coming days could determine the next phase of the conflict.

Reported by Al Jazeera.