Senior Ukrainian and US officials are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss a ceasefire and peace deal regarding the war in Ukraine. Ukraine aims to strengthen ties with the US and propose a ceasefire involving aerial and naval components, alongside a critical mineral deal. President Zelensky hopes for US investment in Ukraine's mineral resources to pressure Russia. However, the US has not provided security guarantees, complicating negotiations. The situation at the Zavallya graphite quarry highlights the economic challenges faced by Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.