Ukrainian officials engage in talks in Saudi Arabia with U.S. representatives to resume military aid and intelligence sharing halted under Trump. President Zelenskyy advocates for negotiations to conclude the war with Russia, proposing a ceasefire. U.S. conditions for renewed support and skepticism from Russia present challenges to Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.
Ukrainian officials are engaged in significant discussions with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia, aiming to restore intelligence-sharing and military assistance halted during President Donald Trump’s administration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to advocate for Kyiv’s readiness for rapid negotiations to conclude the war with Russia, as reported by Financial Times.
Ukrainian negotiators are proposing a partial ceasefire that would cease long-range drone and missile strikes and combat operations in the Black Sea, seeking renewed U.S. support. The urgency of these talks follows Ukraine’s recent military withdrawal from Russian-occupied territories, underscoring the effects of the U.S. aid suspension and the critical nature of solidifying ties with Washington for military assistance.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to formal negotiations on Tuesday, with his delegation comprising notable officials including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also expected in Jeddah, tasked with advancing efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Expectations within the talks are tempered by Trump’s hesitance to renew military support, independent of any developments at the Saudi discussions. Reports indicate that a forthcoming minerals agreement will not suffice as a basis for the resumption of U.S. aid, which necessitates Ukraine’s concessions regarding peace talks and potential territorial adjustments related to Russia.
Support from European allies is evident, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirming close collaborative efforts alongside Kyiv. Additionally, a coalition of approximately 20 nations, led by the UK and France, is exploring plans to back Ukraine should a ceasefire be established, although Trump’s stance on this remains non-committal.
To facilitate U.S. assistance, Ukraine has laid out a structured ceasefire proposal, with initial measures aimed at ceasing aerial assaults and naval actions, alongside the cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure. The plan also emphasizes the need for prisoner exchanges and addressing the issue of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. However, skepticism from Moscow persists, as stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, indicating that any ceasefire must lead to a comprehensive resolution.
In summary, high-stakes negotiations between Ukraine and the United States are underway in Saudi Arabia, focusing on restoring military aid and intelligence-sharing critical for Ukraine’s strategy against Russia. Ukrainian officials are presenting proposals for a partial ceasefire and aiming to recalibrate diplomatic relations with Washington. However, hurdles remain, particularly concerning U.S. conditions for aid renewal and skepticism from Russia regarding Ukraine’s proposals. The outcome of these talks could significantly influence the future trajectory of support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
