The United States reports that Ukraine is prepared to advance on a ceasefire with Russia. Diplomatic talks involving high-level officials are scheduled in Saudi Arabia, with pressure from President Trump on Zelensky to agree to a truce. A framework for peace and resource agreements are among the discussions, following previous diplomatic tensions.
The United States has indicated that Ukraine is prepared to advance on the request for a ceasefire with Russia, as stated by a senior official from the State Department. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are scheduled to meet with their Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia this Tuesday, reflecting a strategic diplomatic effort to bring about peace talks.
President Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a swift ceasefire with Russia, though without immediate US security guarantees. This follows a recent confrontation at the White House, where Trump asserted that Zelensky was not ready to conclude the conflict. Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia has maintained control over approximately 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
The State Department official remarked, “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.” While Zelensky will be in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he is not anticipated to formally engage in discussions with the US officials. Instead, the Ukrainian delegation will include key figures such as Zelensky’s head of office, Andriy Yermak, and other top security and defense officials.
In a recent video address, President Zelensky expressed optimism for progressing towards peace and ongoing support. He faces considerable pressure from the US to make concessions ahead of potential peace talks, all while seeking firm security assurances for Ukraine, particularly in light of Russia’s previous violations of ceasefire agreements. The US has not made public any reciprocal pressure on Russia concerning concessions.
After the dispute with Trump, Zelensky expressed regret and sought to mend relations with the US, which remains Ukraine’s principal military supplier. According to Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, Zelensky sent a letter containing an apology and gratitude, demonstrating a willingness to reconcile.
During the discussions in Saudi Arabia, the US delegation aims to outline a framework for peace to facilitate an end to the ongoing war. Additionally, a significant minerals deal that had been postponed due to tensions is expected to be revisited, with Ukraine proposing access to its rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for US security commitments. The previous clash in Washington led to a halt in military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine, although Trump indicated that easing the intelligence pause could be considered, stating, “Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have…” His remarks did not provide further clarification.
On February 18, prior to tensions between the US and Ukraine, Secretary Rubio engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, a follow-up to Trump’s contentious conversation with President Putin.
In summary, the United States believes Ukraine is ready to progress towards a ceasefire with Russia, indicated by high-level diplomatic meetings in Saudi Arabia. President Trump has exerted pressure on President Zelensky to accept a quick truce, although without specific US security guarantees. The ongoing negotiations aim to create a framework for peace while addressing vital issues such as military support and resource access. Relations between the US and Ukraine appear to be focusing on constructive dialogue following previous tensions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
