U.S. Officials Engage in Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Cautious Outlook

U.S. officials, including Secretary Rubio, are engaging in talks with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict in Saudi Arabia, but he is cautious about immediate breakthroughs. President Zelenskyy insists on Ukrainian inclusion in any negotiations and expresses concern over U.S. military support as essential for Ukraine’s defense against Russia, which currently occupies significant Ukrainian territory.

Top U.S. officials have traveled to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with Russian diplomats regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite an agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to initiate peace talks, Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned against expecting immediate results, emphasizing that peace is a process requiring multiple meetings. Rubio remarked, “A process towards peace is not a one-meeting thing.” He expressed uncertainty about Russia’s representatives and noted that comprehensive discussions should include Ukraine’s involvement.

During these talks, expectations remain ambiguous. U.S. officials, including Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz, have arrived in Riyadh, while a Ukrainian delegation is prepared to join. Rubio highlighted that if substantial negotiations commence, Ukraine must participate, stating that the hope is for broad discussions concerning the war’s resolution.

Notably, Trump’s conciliatory outreach to Putin came as a surprise to NATO allies and Ukraine, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to assert that decisions about Ukraine should involve Ukrainian representation. Zelenskyy expressed his firm stance by declaring, “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never.” He further asserted that he believes Putin is insincere in his desire for peace, reiterating, “He is a liar. He doesn’t want any peace.”

The United States continues to be the primary arms supplier to Ukraine throughout the conflict, yet Trump’s commitment to ongoing support has been inconsistent. Zelenskyy has articulated that without sustained U.S. military assistance, it would be increasingly difficult for Ukraine to overcome Russian aggression, indicating, “We will have low chance to survive without support of the United States.” Moreover, as of now, Russia occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea and regions held by pro-Moscow separatists since 2014 and following the full-scale invasion in February 2022.

In summary, high-level discussions on Ukraine’s peace are in progress as U.S. officials meet with Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia. Secretary Rubio has tempered expectations for immediate breakthroughs while emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian involvement in any negotiations. President Zelenskyy remains firm in rejecting any decisions made without Ukrainian input, highlighting the critical nature of U.S. support in their ongoing conflict. The situation remains complex with significant geopolitical implications.

Original Source: www.voanews.com