Ukraine Proposes Naval and Aerial Ceasefire to US Amid Ongoing Conflict Negotiations
Ukraine is set to propose a naval and aerial ceasefire with Russia during its first meeting with U.S. officials since tensions rose between President Zelenskyy and former President Trump. The meeting aims to advance peace negotiations amid ongoing conflict, with Zelenskyy emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to peace and readiness for dialogue. The discussions’ outcomes could have significant implications for U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing.
The upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia marks the first interaction between Ukraine and the United States following the contentious exchange between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump. During these discussions, Ukraine aims to propose a ceasefire in both aerial and naval capacities with Russia, as stated by a Ukrainian official. President Zelenskyy characterized the recent spat as “regrettable” and emphasized Ukraine’s desire for peace.
Scheduled for Tuesday, these discussions will address the conflict, which has persisted since Russia launched its invasion over three years ago. The Ukrainian official remarked, “We do have a proposal for a ceasefire in the sky and ceasefire at sea,” highlighting the feasibility of these options for implementation and monitoring.
President Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine has continually sought peace since the initiation of the war, pinpointing Russia as the root cause of its continuation. His social media post illustrates his commitment to stopping hostilities while praising Ukrainian military efforts. Moreover, he is set to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to negotiations with the U.S. team.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that the intention of these talks is to create a framework for a peace agreement along with an initial ceasefire. In preparation for the meeting, the presence of both Ukrainian and Saudi flags has been notably observed in Jeddah, where the talks will unfold. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials are also expected to attend.
The ongoing suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing by Washington has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials about Russia gaining a significant advantage if the aid delay persists. Trump’s renewed communication with Putin, alongside his criticism of Zelenskyy, has further deepened the anxieties in Kyiv regarding U.S. support.
Previous interactions have seen promising developments, including Zelenskyy agreeing to potentially sign a crucial minerals deal with the U.S. However, Zelenskyy’s discomfort after his last encounter with Trump underscores a need for cautious diplomatic engagement. Zelenskyy had described his absence from signing the minerals deal as “regrettable,” while emphasizing his readiness to collaborate constructively with U.S. leadership.
These discussions in Saudi Arabia can potentially reshape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. The outcomes of these negotiations will be closely monitored, especially regarding any military or strategic concessions made by Ukraine in hopes of securing renewed U.S. support.
In summary, Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire in aerial and naval domains during upcoming talks with U.S. officials underscores the nation’s ongoing pursuit of peace amidst a protracted conflict with Russia. Despite the complexities arising from the recent spat between President Zelenskyy and former President Trump, both parties appear committed to constructive dialogue. The outcome of these negotiations may significantly influence future U.S. military assistance and the trajectory of the conflict.
Original Source: www.news18.com
