WASHINGTON (TNND) — Peace between Russia and Ukraine could be at a critical juncture as high-profile talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to take place in the coming days. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi officials in a separate meeting ahead of other negotiations later in the week. The later meeting is set to include U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

"There's been a lot of discussions between our teams, and the Ukrainians, and the Europeans who are relevant to this discussion as well, and I'd like to describe it as progress, and I would hope there is a deal," said Witkoff on Monday.

On Monday, Witkoff told Fox News that Zelenskyy sent an apology letter to President Donald Trump and that talks between the two nations were going well.

Zelensky is not scheduled to participate directly in the talks with the U.S. Tensions have persisted following a dispute with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office in late February, which led to a temporary halt in intelligence sharing and aid from the U.S. to Ukraine. President Trump told reporters on Air Force One Sunday that intelligence sharing has resumed almost entirely and progress is being made.

"I think they will sign the minerals deal, but we want, I want them to want peace. Well, right now they haven't shown it to the extent that they should," Trump said on Sunday.

The minerals deal, which Trump is eager to finalize, would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, potentially valued at billions of dollars. NBC News reports more concessions may be necessary to restore aid fully.

Some Republicans have expressed concern over the current strategy towards Ukraine, fearing it could empower Russia.

"I am worried about cutting off intelligence and weapons to Ukraine as long as the fighting is going on. If we pull the plug on Ukraine, it will be worse than Afghanistan. I don’t think President Trump has any desire to do that," Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Sunday.

Other moderate Republicans say they've been hearing from upset constituents in their districts worried that America is abandoning an ally and, instead, favoring an adversary in Russia and its President Vladimir Putin.

"Ukraine is our ally. They want to be part of the West. Russia is our adversary, and it's time that this administration gets this in their brain. They're treating Putin with velvet gloves and they're being harsh to our allies," said Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.

Witkoff expressed hope that Zelenskyy would return to the U.S. to sign the minerals deal after previous talks ended unsuccessfully.