Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will engage in talks with the US in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential peace deal and ceasefire regarding the war with Russia. The discussions, scheduled for March 11, will include US officials and will follow recent tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump during their White House meeting. The meetings aim to establish a framework for peace and possibly involve agreements related to Ukrainian resources.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that discussions between Ukraine and the United States regarding a resolution to the conflict with Russia will take place in Saudi Arabia next week. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman prior to diplomatic talks with US officials later in the week, expressing Ukraine’s strong interest in achieving peace.
Zelenskyy conveyed plans to remain in Saudi Arabia for collaborative discussions with American partners, emphasizing this engagement as a continuation of resumed dialogue with the US. The initial round of negotiations is slated to start on March 11, according to reports from various sources.
US President Donald Trump confirmed his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia, though he did not specify a date. He alluded to a significant financial agreement, proposing the purchase of one trillion dollars’ worth of goods over four years, which the Saudis have reportedly agreed to.
The discussions will include key figures such as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials, alongside Andriy Yermak, a prominent adviser to President Zelenskyy. The US delegation is expected to mirror the officials engaged in prior peace talks with Russia earlier this year.
The dialogue in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to focus on establishing a framework for a peace agreement and a potential ceasefire. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has indicated that there is a constructive atmosphere surrounding the ongoing negotiations, building on Zelenskyy’s recent communication.
Additionally, it is reported that a potential agreement regarding US access to Ukrainian mineral resources may be reached during this meeting. The credibility of these discussions follows the tension-filled meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump at the White House, where disagreements on military aid and diplomatic strategies became apparent.
In conclusion, the upcoming US-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia aim to facilitate a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia, with an emphasis on peace and potential ceasefire efforts. The meetings, featuring high-level discussions between key officials, signify continued diplomatic engagement. Moreover, the anticipated agreements may pave the way for enhanced cooperation and resource access, marking a pivotal moment in US-Ukrainian relations amidst previous tensions between the parties.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
