Ukraine’s fate in the balance: U.S.-Russia talks spark fear of strategic ‘carve-up’

A high-stakes meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia has reignited concerns that Ukraine’s future is being shaped behind closed doors—without Kyiv at the table.

The talks, aimed at negotiating an end to the war, have been described by experts as a stark reminder of “where the power lies” in global politics, with fears that Ukraine is being positioned as a bargaining chip in a larger geopolitical struggle.

A Deal Without Ukraine?

The meeting, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, resulted in an agreement to establish “high-level teams” to work on ending the war.

However, the absence of Ukrainian and European officials has drawn criticism, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejecting any outcome that does not involve his government.

High-stakes meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia

European allies, who have invested heavily in Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction, have also expressed outrage at being sidelined.

Professor Inderjeet Parmar, Head of International Politics at City, University of London, warns that this development underscores a troubling reality.

“The exclusion of Ukraine, NATO, and the EU from these talks highlights where power truly lies.

“This isn’t just about peace—it’s about economic and strategic interests,” he said.

The Fight Over Ukraine’s Riches

At the heart of the speculation is Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth, particularly its deposits of uranium, lithium, titanium, and rare earth metals—resources crucial for military and technological advancements.

According to Professor Parmar, Trump views Ukraine’s mineral deposits as a strategic asset and has openly discussed securing at least $500 billion worth of them, many of which are currently in Russian-occupied territory.

Ukrainian territory

“China currently dominates the global supply chain for rare earth metals, and the U.S. wants to change that,” Parmar explained.

“Trump sees a deal with Russia as a way to achieve that goal while offering Ukraine security guarantees.

“But this arrangement could sideline European interests, forcing them to foot the bill while the U.S. and Russia negotiate terms that benefit them economically,” he added.

Echoes of Colonial History?

Parmar draws parallels between the current situation and historical colonial power plays, warning that Ukraine risks being “carved up” much like colonial territories in the 19th and 20th centuries.

“Ukraine increasingly resembles a body on the U.S., EU, and Russian surgeon’s operating table—ready to be divided according to strategic and economic interests,” he said.

With Trump’s potential return to the White House, fears are growing that a renewed U.S.-Russia relationship could reshape the future of Ukraine in ways that prioritize economic gains over sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy remains adamant that Ukraine will not accept any deal that compromises its territorial integrity or strategic autonomy.

As the high-level negotiations continue, the world watches closely—will Ukraine’s fate be decided in backroom deals, or will its people have the final say?

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