Representatives from over 40 nations, including China, India, and the U.S., convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on August 5, 2023, to discuss ways to bring about a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Hosted by Saudi Arabia, the meeting aimed to build international consensus on addressing the conflict’s complexities. Discussions encompassed topics like humanitarian aid, security assurances, and the pursuit of a political settlement. The meeting was attended by security officials from 42 countries, including Ukraine, China, the US and India. The meeting aimed to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and supported separatists in eastern Ukraine. The meeting followed an earlier one in Copenhagen in July, where a set of common principles for a peaceful resolution were agreed upon, such as respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, full implementation of the Minsk agreements, and de-escalation of tensions. The meeting also sought to address the recent escalation of the situation, as Russia amassed troops near the border with Ukraine and threatened to intervene if NATO or the US provided further military
assistance to Kyiv. The meeting was notable for excluding Russia, which is a key party to the conflict and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Russia denounced the meeting as a “provocation” and a “waste of time”, saying that it had no added value and that it undermined the existing negotiation formats.

The meeting was notable for excluding Russia, which is a key party to the conflict and a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Russia denounced the meeting as a “provocation” and a “waste of time”, saying that it had no added value and that it undermined the existing negotiation formats.

China, which is another permanent member of the UN Security Council and a strategic partner of Russia, participated in the meeting, but reassured Moscow that it had not changed its stance on the Ukraine war. China said that it supported dialogue and diplomacy, and that it opposed any interference or unilateral actions that could worsen the situation. The meeting was seen as a positive move as it showed the international community’s concern and solidarity with Ukraine, and that it put pressure on Russia to engage in constructive talks. But the meeting was unlikely to produce any breakthroughs, as Russia remained defiant and unwilling to compromise. The meeting’s outcomes included a call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and the withdrawal of Russian forces, alongside renewed negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This gathering marked a pivotal moment, uniting diverse perspectives and setting the stage for collaborative problem-solving. While the Jeddah meeting holds promise, challenges persist. The foremost hurdle is securing a mutually agreed-upon ceasefire, given the recent gains made by both sides. A broader challenge involves crafting a political solution, necessitating concessions and addressing underlying causes such as Russia’s territorial ambitions and Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership. Though the Jeddah meeting’s significance is undeniable, it is just a step within a broader process. Subsequent sessions are planned to evaluate progress and determine future actions. The hope is that the Jeddah process will ultimately result in both a ceasefire and a comprehensive political resolution for the conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting ended with a joint statement that reaffirmed the common principles agreed in Copenhagen, and called for an immediate ceasefire, withdrawal of foreign troops and mercenaries, restoration of Ukraine’s control over its border, and release of all detainees.