Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will engage in discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia next week to seek an end to the war. Concurrently, the EU has approved a substantial defense spending plan. Amid rising tensions with Russia, European leaders are emphasizing solidarity and financial commitments to support Ukraine, though significant new aid announcements seem unlikely.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that discussions between Ukraine and the United States aimed at ending the war will occur in Saudi Arabia next week. In his address on March 6, he detailed his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia, highlighting his meeting with the Crown Prince and subsequent talks his team would continue with U.S. officials. Zelensky emphasized, “Ukraine is most interested in peace.”
During the recent EU summit, European leaders approved a plan from the European Commission to mobilize €800 billion to bolster European defense against perceived threats from Russia. Zelensky informed the leaders that Ukrainian and American negotiators had resumed discussions, expressing hope for a meaningful engagement next week. He conveyed gratitude for the EU’s support during these precarious negotiations.
The United States confirmed that negotiations with Ukraine were progressing towards establishing a ceasefire with Russia. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff indicated his visit to Saudi Arabia would facilitate discussions with Ukrainian negotiators regarding an initial ceasefire and a framework for a longer-term agreement. Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official stated that U.S. and Ukrainian delegations would also meet Tuesday in Riyadh or Jeddah.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen described this summit as a “watershed moment” for Ukraine and Europe, considering Europe’s vulnerability to threats. Both France’s President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting expressed the necessity for increased defense spending to prepare against potential aggressions.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts come in the wake of tensions following a significant disagreement between former President Trump and Zelensky over military aid and intelligence sharing, prompting concerns about U.S. support for Europe’s security. As England re-establishes its ties with the EU, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is collaborating with European leaders to facilitate peaceful negotiations involving Zelensky and Trump.
In parallel, a truce proposal concerning air, sea, and energy infrastructure has been introduced by France and Britain, who are gathering support from multiple countries for a ceasefire. Turkish involvement remains a potential option for peacekeeping. However, discussions regarding the security guarantees Europe might offer in a peace deal are ongoing, although Russia has explicitly rejected certain proposals.
Despite the assurances of support from various states, many argue that Europe currently has sufficient resources allocated to assist Ukraine, notwithstanding the U.S. aid freeze. Thus, significant financial commitments beyond the €30 billion already designated for the year are unlikely to be announced during the upcoming meetings.
Ukrainian President Zelensky is set to engage in critical talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia next week, aiming for a resolution to the ongoing war. The European Union has taken significant steps to enhance its defense capabilities amid increased threats from Russia and is providing crucial support to Ukraine. As diplomatic efforts unfold, the importance of solidarity among European nations is evident, with collective initiatives aimed at securing peace and stability in the region. Nonetheless, challenges remain in obtaining substantial additional aid, given the constraints faced following the U.S. military aid freeze.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
