The US has expressed optimism regarding Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will hold talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian officials. President Zelensky is under pressure to make concessions for peace while seeking security guarantees. The discussions aim to address a framework for ending hostilities and include potential mineral deals to support US security initiatives.
The United States government has indicated that Ukraine’s leadership is prepared to advance towards a ceasefire process with Russia. According to a senior official from the State Department, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are expected to engage in discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to quickly secure a ceasefire with Moscow, although no immediate US security guarantee has been promised.
The US believes that the senior-level talks in Jeddah signify Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate. Amidst ongoing tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has resulted in Moscow controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. Zelensky, while in Saudi Arabia, aims to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but his role in discussions with the US officials will be limited. The Ukrainian delegation will include key figures such as Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, alongside advisors and ministers responsible for national security, foreign affairs, and defense.
President Zelensky, in a recent video address, expressed hope for progress in achieving peace and receiving ongoing support. The Ukrainian leadership is under considerable pressure from the US to make concessions prior to peace negotiations, with Zelensky advocating for solid security guarantees due to prior violations of ceasefire agreements by Putin. Notably, there has been no public indication of equivalent pressures on Moscow to concede.
Following a public disagreement at the White House, which highlighted a lack of readiness from Zelensky to end hostilities, Zelensky later expressed regret and sought to mend ties with the US, an important military ally. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, noted that President Trump received a letter from Zelensky containing an apology and expression of gratitude. Additionally, discussions in Saudi Arabia will explore a potential framework for peace to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Tensions also affected the US’s military support for Ukraine, leading to a pause in military aid and intelligence sharing. When questioned about resuming intelligence support, President Trump suggested that the US is nearly ready to resume such assistance, emphasizing the importance of urgent action from Ukraine to facilitate progress. In February, Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, following Trump’s previously controversial call with President Putin.
This article outlines the current diplomatic efforts between the United States and Ukraine regarding a potential ceasefire with Russia. Key discussions are set to occur in Saudi Arabia, involving senior US officials and Ukrainian representatives. President Zelensky faces significant pressure to make concessions while also seeking robust security assurances. The article highlights the complexities of this geopolitical situation as both sides navigate the path to peace amid ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
