Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that territorial issues were discussed with the U.S. delegation in Saudi Arabia, even though they were not on the official agenda. He emphasized the challenges of these issues and reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance on occupied territories. These discussions occurred alongside potential ceasefire talks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that territorial matters were addressed during discussions with the United States delegation in Saudi Arabia, despite these topics not being included in the official agenda. He elaborated that the U.S. delegation delved deeply into the specifics, specifically referencing the Russian-occupied city of Enerhodar located in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Zelenskyy remarked on the complexity of territorial issues, stating, “You cannot just say: here is the plant [the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant], and the city is separate. I believe that the issue of territories is the most difficult one after the issue of establishing a ceasefire.” He reaffirmed that Ukraine does not recognize the occupied territories as belonging to Russia.
In a related context, following negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11, 2023, Ukraine expressed its readiness to enforce a 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon Russia’s compliance. In response to a ceasefire proposal, President Putin exhibited caution, neither rejecting nor embracing the proposal, implying that Moscow may impose its conditions.
U.S. President Donald Trump regarded Putin’s remarks as “promising but not complete”. He cautioned that a failure by Russia to accept the 30-day ceasefire proposal would signify “a very disappointing moment for the world.”
In summary, President Zelenskyy highlighted the discussions regarding territorial issues with the U.S. delegation in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the complexity of such topics, with a focus on the occupied regions. The dialogue occurred against a backdrop of potential ceasefire arrangements, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the conflict. Both sides are navigating the intricacies of territory and ceasefire conditions in this multifaceted situation.
Original Source: www.pravda.com.ua
