Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia with U.S. officials regarding the war with Russia, emphasizing the need for clear terms on energy and infrastructure cease-fire. He criticized Moscow’s unreasonable demands and lamented NATO membership issues being sidelined. Concurrently, Russia confirmed its participation in talks, focusing on the Black Sea initiative, while Zelensky ruled out U.S. ownership of Ukrainian power assets, proposing discussions on modernization instead.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and U.S. officials will convene in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss strategies for ending the war with Russia. This meeting will feature technical teams focused on establishing terms for a cease-fire concerning energy and infrastructure. Zelensky emphasized the need for a clear agenda to prevent misunderstandings during negotiations with Moscow.
Zelensky criticized Russia’s pre-conditions, which include demands that the U.S. cease all military assistance to Ukraine and that Ukraine refrain from mobilizing its forces within its own borders. He stated that Moscow’s demands are unreasonable and serve only to prolong the conflict. Additionally, he expressed disappointment over NATO membership discussions being sidelined, underscoring Ukraine’s desire to join the alliance, which he believes could resolve many issues.
Russia confirmed participation in parallel talks in Riyadh, led by Russian Senator Grigory Karasin and FSB advisor Sergey Beseda. The primary focus of these discussions will be the potential revival of the Black Sea initiative, which enabled the free passage of Russian fertilizer and Ukrainian grain exports. This agreement was terminated in July due to Western sanctions.
Sergei Kislyak of the Federation Council highlighted that Moscow would not change its stance, reiterating that the U.S. must halt military support for Ukraine. He also remarked that Kyiv remains reluctant to make concessions. Zelensky, meanwhile, ruled out the U.S. taking ownership of Ukrainian power plants, including the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, emphasizing their state-owned status and the legal implications of such ownership.
Zelensky noted openness to discussions about modernizing the power plant, should U.S. investment be considered. However, he dismissed media speculation regarding U.S. ownership of the sector as a viable solution, pointing out that Ukraine’s energy infrastructure integration with Europe provides substantial energy security.
The forthcoming talks between Ukraine and the United States signify an essential step towards addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia. President Zelensky’s objections to Russia’s demands underscore the complexities of negotiation scenarios. As discussions unfold, the emphasis remains on protecting Ukraine’s infrastructure and energy security while aiming for a sustainable cease-fire agreement.
Original Source: www.upi.com
