Ukraine Declines Participation in Upcoming US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukraine declines participation in the US-Russia talks scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia, focusing on subsequent conversation outcomes between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. Previous tensions hint at underlying contradictions, while the US and Russia prepare to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, has confirmed that Ukraine will not participate in the US-Russia talks set to occur on March 23 in Saudi Arabia. Podolyak noted that these negotiations are intended to remain bilateral between the United States and Russia, and therefore, Ukraine does not plan to engage at this stage.
Podolyak indicated that the outcomes of a forthcoming discussion between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be crucial in determining Ukraine’s future involvement in negotiations. He emphasized the importance of understanding Trump’s insights from his conversation regarding the results of his dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Recalling a prior meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy that was marred by emotional tension, Podolyak stated, “It was a fairly emotional conversation in the Oval Office, and it showed that contradictions had built up.” These unresolved issues are anticipated to surface in the upcoming negotiations as both official and informal communications have been established.
The resumed US-Russia negotiations, set to initiate in Saudi Arabia soon, aim to discuss a ceasefire in Ukraine. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced this development, confirming that he and Russian official Yuri Ushakov have arranged the meetings to explore possibilities for “expanding the partial ceasefire” initially negotiated by Trump.
In related context, following talks between Trump and Putin regarding the situation in Ukraine, it has been revealed that Putin dismissed the idea of a full ceasefire under Washington’s terms while suggesting a decrease in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Trump and Zelenskyy also engaged in a phone call on March 19, which serves as their first discussion since their earlier tensions in the White House, with a focus on the Russian conversation.
In summary, Ukraine has opted out of the upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, focusing instead on the implications of the impending discussion between President Trump and President Zelenskyy. The situation remains sensitive, highlighted by previous political tensions and ongoing negotiations aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The outcomes of these discussions will play a significant role in shaping Ukraine’s future involvement in peace efforts.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
