US Indicates Ukraine Ready to Discuss Ceasefire with Russia

The US believes Ukraine is ready to discuss a ceasefire with Russia, with officials engaging in talks in Saudi Arabia. President Trump is urging President Zelensky to concede while not offering immediate security guarantees. Tensions arose at a White House meeting, leading Zelensky to express regret and seek to mend relations. Discussions will also address a minerals deal that could enhance US security measures for Ukraine.

The United States has signaled that Ukraine is “ready to move forward” on discussions regarding a ceasefire with Russia, as indicated by a senior US State Department official. This development comes amid Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian officials. President Donald Trump has increased pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a ceasefire, although he has not yet offered any US security guarantees.

During a prior meeting at the White House, tensions surfaced between Trump and Zelensky, leading to Trump’s assertion that Zelensky was not prepared to cease hostilities. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and currently, Russia occupies approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. The State Department official noted, “The fact that they’re coming here at senior levels is a good indication to us that they want to sit down and they’re ready to move forward.”

Although Zelensky is visiting Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, his role in the talks with the Americans remains informal. Ukrainian representation will include Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office, as well as the national security adviser and foreign and defense ministers. Zelensky expressed optimism in a recent video address, stating, “We hope for results – both in bringing peace closer and in continuing support.”

Zelensky faces significant pressure from the US to make concessions in advance of peace discussions, while simultaneously seeking robust security guarantees for Ukraine, especially given prior violations of ceasefire agreements by Putin. The US’s pressure on Russia for concessions has not been publicly detailed. Following the White House incident, Zelensky communicated his regret and has sought to mend relations with the US, which is crucial for military aid.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that Trump received a letter from Zelensky that included an “apology” and “sense of gratitude”. The US delegation’s discussions in Saudi Arabia will focus on establishing a “framework” for peace in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. A significant minerals deal, interrupted by earlier tensions, is reportedly back on the agenda, with Ukraine proposing to grant US access to its rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for security guarantees.

The prior clash at the White House led to a temporary halt in military assistance to Ukraine and a cease in intelligence sharing. When inquired about the possibility of resuming intelligence support, Trump remarked, “Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done.”

On February 18, prior to the US-Ukraine disagreement in Washington, Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, following Trump’s contentious phone call with Putin.

In summary, the United States has indicated that Ukraine is willing to advance discussions regarding a ceasefire with Russia, amidst heightened pressure from US officials on Zelensky for concessions. The forthcoming talks in Saudi Arabia aim to establish a framework for peace against the backdrop of ongoing tensions and a complex geopolitical landscape. The situation underscores the critical need for strategic negotiations and security guarantees for Ukraine, especially in light of past violations of ceasefire agreements. Additionally, the restoration of military aid and intelligence sharing remains a pivotal point as both sides navigate these delicate negotiations.

Original Source: www.bbc.com