U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the potential of Ukraine’s partial ceasefire proposal ahead of crucial talks in Saudi Arabia. He insisted on the need for both sides to make concessions and emphasized that a military solution is not viable. The negotiations could reshape U.S. support for Ukraine amidst ongoing pressures related to the conflict.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism regarding Ukraine’s proposal for a partial ceasefire aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia. Prior to negotiations in Saudi Arabia involving U.S. and Ukrainian officials, he emphasized that while the proposal alone may not suffice, it represents a necessary concession for peace. Ukraine plans to introduce a truce concerning aerial and naval operations during these talks, as indicated by a Ukrainian official.
Despite Ukraine’s attempts at a ceasefire, Russia has dismissed the notion, viewing it as a strategy to gain time and mitigate Ukraine’s military situation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although he is not anticipated to partake in formal discussions with U.S. representatives.
The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Andriy Yermak, head of the President’s Office, alongside the national security adviser and key foreign and defense ministers. The U.S. will be represented by Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Rubio noted the necessity of clarifying Ukraine’s intentions regarding peace and suggested that both Ukraine and Russia must be prepared to make difficult concessions.
He insisted that the resolution of the conflict lies not in military action but through diplomatic efforts, especially as former President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Zelensky to negotiate a ceasefire without assurances of U.S. security. These discussions are deemed crucial after tensions escalated following Zelensky’s previous White House visit, which resulted in a temporary halt in U.S. military assistance to Ukraine.
Rubio indicated that this pause in aid could potentially be rectified, contingent on Ukraine’s commitment to engage in a genuine peace process. The talks may address significant matters, including security protocols and territorial issues, as underscored by Witkoff. He expressed hope for substantial outcomes from the negotiations, alluding to Zelensky’s willingness to establish a minerals partnership with the U.S. The ongoing situation remains critical, with Russia currently occupying a significant portion of Ukrainian territory since its invasion in February 2022, notably Crimea, which was annexed in 2014.
In summary, the U.S. supports Ukraine’s proposal for a partial ceasefire and acknowledges the need for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. The upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia are pivotal, as both sides must be ready to make difficult decisions. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact U.S. military support for Ukraine and pave the way for a renewed commitment to finding lasting peace. The urgency of these talks is underscored by the challenges faced by Ukraine since the commencement of the Russian invasion.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
