Zelensky Critiques Russian Demands Ahead of U.S. Negotiations on War
Ukrainian President Zelensky shared updates on imminent talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, aiming to address the war with Russia. He criticized Russian demands that hinder negotiations and expressed disappointment over NATO membership exclusions. Russia confirmed attendance under its conditions, while Zelensky asserted Ukraine’s ownership of energy assets and openness to U.S. cooperation on modernization.
On March 21, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced upcoming discussions with U.S. officials set to occur in Saudi Arabia, aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing war with Russia. These talks will feature technical teams from both nations, primarily focused on establishing a cease-fire regarding energy and infrastructure. Zelensky expressed optimism about the meeting’s potential to facilitate U.S. diplomatic efforts to bridge gaps with Moscow.
Zelensky criticized Russia’s preconditions, which include a demand for the cessation of U.S. military support to Ukraine, claiming that such stipulations only serve to extend the conflict. He expressed disappointment that Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations have been sidelined, remarking on the detrimental impact such a shift has on Ukraine’s security prospects. “Unfortunately, we are not being taken into NATO. We really want to join… the United States, as the main ally in NATO, does not support Ukraine in NATO,” he stated.
Russia has confirmed participation in concurrent talks in Riyadh, led by Russian Senator Grigory Karasin. The discussions aim to revisit the 2022 Black Sea initiative, which had previously enabled unrestricted maritime trade for both Russian fertilizers and Ukrainian grain. Sergei Kislyak of the Federation Council Committee asserted that Russia’s position remains firm, insisting that Western nations must not engage until they recalibrate their approach toward military assistance to Ukraine.
Zelensky further rejected the notion of U.S. ownership of Ukraine’s power plants, particularly referencing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, emphasizing that such state-owned assets belong to the Ukrainian populace. He remarked that the plant could not function correctly under foreign ownership, asserting, “If it does not belong to Ukraine, it won’t work for anyone. It would be illegal.”
While dismissive of rumors surrounding the U.S. taking control of Ukraine’s energy sector, Zelensky expressed openness to discussions regarding potential U.S. investment aimed at modernizing energy infrastructure if Russian control were relinquished. He underscored the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s sovereignty over its energy resources and highlighted the integration with Europe’s grid as a path to significant energy security.
In conclusion, the upcoming discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. officials signal a concerted effort to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. President Zelensky’s remarks underline Ukraine’s determination to maintain sovereignty and negotiate from a position of strength while also indicating a willingness to collaborate diplomatically. The focus remains on securing concessions that could lead to lasting peace and the undisturbed functionality of vital infrastructures such as energy plants.
Original Source: www.upi.com
