President Volodymyr Zelensky met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss peace efforts related to Ukraine. Upcoming talks with US officials are expected to influence US policy on military aid to Ukraine. While negotiations continue, Russia’s military actions raise concerns, and Zelensky seeks a minerals deal with the US to secure ongoing support.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah to support peace initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting precedes critical talks involving Ukrainian and US officials, which are expected to make significant strides towards concluding the war with Russia. The Saudi crown prince reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to international efforts for peace in Ukraine, according to the Saudi state news agency, SPA.
The United States has shifted its approach regarding the conflict, seeking to accelerate the end of hostilities. This includes direct engagement with Moscow while suspending military support and intelligence sharing to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022. Following a difficult meeting between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, Ukraine is pursuing what it describes as “pragmatic” relations with its allies.
The upcoming discussions mark the first official meetings since Zelensky’s challenging encounter with President Trump. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the potential for substantial progress from the talks, indicating a hope for the signing of a minerals deal. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for further developments, noting that success could arise even without a formal agreement being reached.
While Zelensky will not personally attend the negotiations, his delegation will include key officials such as the chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and a senior military officer. Zelensky stated, “On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps,” emphasizing the importance of moving quickly and effectively.
US officials aim to ascertain Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions in pursuit of peace with Russia. They expressed the desire to identify the Ukrainians’ interest in a realistic peace agreement. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that the discussions would lead to the resumption of US aid and intelligence transfers to Ukraine, which Rubio affirmed has not completely paused.
Amid the diplomatic efforts, Russia initiated air strikes against Kyiv and other regions, escalating tensions. Witkoff aims to establish a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire. Zelensky is advocating for a truce as well as a prisoner exchange to assess Russia’s commitment to peace, while Moscow has dismissed the proposal for a temporary truce as a strategy to delay its military actions.
Additionally, Ukraine is prepared to finalize a minerals deal with the US, aimed at establishing a joint fund for Ukrainian mineral sales, crucial for ongoing American support. Despite challenging military developments for Ukrainian forces near the Kursk region, General Oleksandr Syrskyi assured that his troops are not encircled, countering concerns prompted by recent Russian counteroffensives.
The Russian Embassy in Australia recently issued a warning against the potential deployment of Western troops in Ukraine, labeling any foreign military presence as “totally unacceptable.” They characterized their statement as a caution rather than a threat, arguing that it undermines peace efforts while reiterating their position on the conflict.
In summary, President Zelensky’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signifies Ukraine’s pursuit of peace amidst an evolving situation with the US. The upcoming discussions with US officials may shape the future of US support for Ukraine, while concerns about Russia’s military actions and the potential deployment of Western forces continue to complicate the landscape. The commitments from key players aim to foster a climate for constructive dialogue and potential agreements to end the conflict.
Original Source: www.indailysa.com.au
