U.S. and Ukraine Pursue Peace Talks Amid Strained Relations in Saudi Arabia
U.S. and Ukrainian officials convene in Jeddah for ceasefire discussions amid strained relations. Secretary Rubio stresses the need for Ukraine to undertake difficult negotiations as the U.S. urges peace concessions. Zelenskyy seeks peace guarantees while discussing prisoner exchanges with Saudi leadership. A partial ceasefire proposal from Ukraine will be presented, amidst ongoing military tensions and attacks.
On Tuesday, representatives from the United States and Ukraine convened in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia three years ago. This meeting is deemed significant, particularly following a notably contentious meeting last month between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance. Amid deteriorating relations, the talks aim to foster cooperation between the two nations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for Ukraine to demonstrate readiness to make challenging decisions during these negotiations. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy expressed his commitment to pursuing peace, underscoring that any agreement must ensure safeguards against future Russian aggression. Although Zelenskyy himself will not join the discussions, he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia to deliberate on peace strategies.
In his social media communication, Zelenskyy articulated the importance of discussing prisoner exchanges and child repatriation, which could be pivotal for building trust in diplomatic negotiations. Moreover, he confirmed that a Ukrainian team will remain in Saudi Arabia to collaborate with the U.S. delegation, aiming for actionable outcomes from the forthcoming meetings.
The U.S. negotiating team led by Rubio includes national security adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, while Ukraine’s delegation features prominent figures such as Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelenskyy’s office, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. They expressed readiness to advocate for Ukrainian interests and work constructively with their American counterparts.
Ahead of the talks, it was noted that Trump’s administration is urging Ukraine to make concessions to facilitate a peace deal. Furthermore, the U.S. intends for Ukraine to approve a contentious mineral-sharing arrangement that Trump postulates as a means to recoup substantial U.S. financial assistance extended to Ukraine since 2022.
As discussions unfold, reports suggest that Ukraine may propose a partial ceasefire, specifically targeting long-range air strikes and naval offensives, although the timeline for such a truce is yet to be established. Rubio acknowledged the potential value in this partial ceasefire proposal, sensing that it might represent a necessary concession toward resolving the ongoing conflict. However, he also reiterated that finalizing the mineral-sharing accord, while significant, is not the top priority of the discussions.
Tensions remain high on the battlefield, with Ukraine launching a considerable drone assault into Russia, resulting in the downing of numerous drones and notable casualties. When queried about the impact of these military actions on the ceasefire talks, a Kremlin spokesperson indicated that no negotiations were currently occurring, rendering discussions of disruption moot.
In summary, the U.S. and Ukrainian officials are positioned to engage in critical discussions aimed at securing peace in the ongoing conflict with Russia. By emphasizing the need for Ukraine to partake in challenging negotiations, both sides are working towards potential agreements, including a proposed partial ceasefire. The outcome of these talks remains uncertain, yet they are essential in addressing the escalation of hostilities and establishing a framework for future relations.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
