Serhii Leshchenko confirmed that the Ukrainian delegation remains in Saudi Arabia for ongoing technical negotiations regarding U.S.-Russia discussions. Key topics include ceasefire agreements and humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges. The talks are expected to be long-term, without immediate public disclosures.
Serhii Leshchenko, advisor to the head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, confirmed via Ukrainian television that the Ukrainian delegation remains in Saudi Arabia for potential ongoing consultations. He emphasized the importance of these discussions in the context of negotiations between the United States and Russia, stating, “This is to ensure that after the negotiations… we also conduct our consultations.” Leshchenko noted that these talks would continue for some time and do not necessarily need to culminate in prominent outcomes immediately.
He further elaborated that the negotiations held in Riyadh are primarily technical and will continue over an extended period. According to him, the process of discussions often does not yield results in a single day, asserting, “Negotiations are usually not concluded in a single day; they sometimes take months… it is important to understand that these meetings will be quite regular.” He stated that many of these discussions might not lead to public announcements or joint press briefings.
The key subjects during the negotiations include crucial aspects of infrastructure and maritime security. Leshchenko specifically pointed out topics such as mutual ceasefire agreements, where both sides would avoid targeting each other’s facilities, including specific ports in Ukraine. Furthermore, he highlighted the discussions surrounding the exchange of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians held by the occupying forces and the imperative of returning Ukrainian children.
Negotiations between the Ukrainian and American delegations in Saudi Arabia concluded on March 23, with the Russian delegation arriving in Riyadh shortly after for talks with the U.S. delegation on March 24.
In summary, the Ukrainian delegation’s continued presence in Saudi Arabia facilitates crucial consultations amid ongoing U.S.-Russia negotiations. These technical discussions focus on mutual ceasefire agreements, infrastructure, and maritime security, underlining the complexity and duration typically associated with diplomatic negotiations. The process aims to address significant humanitarian issues, including the exchange of prisoners and the return of displaced Ukrainian children.
Original Source: www.ukrinform.net