U.S.-Ukraine Negotiations in Saudi Arabia Focus on Intelligence and Military Support
Ukrainian officials are engaging in talks with U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to restore intelligence-sharing and military aid. President Zelenskyy aims to push for peace negotiations and proposes a partial ceasefire as leverage for renewed support. The discussions come following a significant withdrawal of Ukrainian forces and a recalibrated approach to mending ties with Washington. European allies back Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts amidst Russia’s skepticism toward a ceasefire plan.
High-stakes talks between Ukrainian officials and their U.S. counterparts are scheduled to occur in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the resumption of intelligence-sharing and military assistance which was halted by former President Donald Trump’s administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to demonstrate Kyiv’s readiness for negotiations to conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of renewed support from Washington. In a strategic move, Ukrainian negotiators plan to offer a partial ceasefire that covers long-range drone and missile operations as well as combat actions in the Black Sea in exchange for U.S. backing.
Zelenskyy is set to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia prior to the formal negotiations scheduled for Tuesday, led by Ukraine’s delegation, which includes key officials such as Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also participate in the discussions, tasked with advancing President Biden’s objective of resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The backdrop of these negotiations is marked by a previous White House meeting that revealed tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine’s war strategy, prompting Ukrainian officials to pivot towards a more conciliatory approach.
Despite Trump’s reluctance to resume military support for Ukraine, he expressed confidence in a forthcoming U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement. However, reports indicate that solely establishing this minerals deal would not suffice for the reinstatement of aid. The Biden administration also seeks Ukraine’s concessions concerning peace negotiations, including territorial adjustments and electoral reforms. Meanwhile, European allies have committed to supporting Ukraine’s diplomatic endeavors, indicating tight collaboration between Brussels and Kyiv, as emphasized by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In pursuit of U.S. aid, Ukraine has proposed a systematic ceasefire framework beginning with ceasing aerial bombardments and maritime operations. The strategy includes efforts for prisoner exchanges and addressing issues related to Ukrainian children taken to Russia. However, Russian officials remain skeptical of Ukraine’s intentions, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova rejecting any notion of temporary relief without a comprehensive final agreement.
Ukrainian officials are actively seeking to reinstate U.S. military and intelligence support during crucial negotiations in Saudi Arabia. With President Zelenskyy advocating for rapid peace talks and a partial ceasefire, the success of these discussions hinges on Ukraine’s willingness to address U.S. conditions for aid. Despite skepticism from Russia, Ukraine’s diplomatic initiatives gained traction with support from European allies, indicating a collective effort to advance peace and military assistance.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
