Ukrainian President Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before discussions with US officials aimed at ending the war with Russia. The US is reevaluating its support for Ukraine, with a focus on achieving a swift resolution. Zelensky’s key advisers will attend the meetings to negotiate peace terms following recent military escalations from Russia, while potential agreements on minerals and ceasefires are explored.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, prior to discussions between Ukrainian and US officials aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Crown Prince reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to supporting international endeavors to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. This meeting occurs against the backdrop of the US reassessing its approach to the war, moving towards a swift resolution while halting military assistance to Ukraine after Russia’s invasion in 2022.
During these pivotal discussions, which marked the first session since a contentious meeting between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, there were high hopes for progress. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about achieving substantial advancements in negotiations, hinting at the potential signing of a minerals deal during Zelensky’s visit. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio tempered expectations, indicating that success could be assessed without a formal agreement, depending on Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions.
Zelensky has mandated his key officials to engage in discussions instead of attending personally. In a statement, he emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to constructive dialogue and the urgency of tangible proposals to facilitate progress. Meanwhile, US officials expressed intentions to assess Ukraine’s readiness to negotiate realistic peace terms, amid continued Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that these negotiations would lead to an end to the pause in US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Rubio noted that Ukraine is currently receiving defensive intelligence, suggesting a pathway to resolving any concerns about aid suspensions, emphasizing the critical nature of tomorrow’s talks.
In the face of Russian military escalation, including airstrikes, Zelensky proposed a ceasefire alongside efforts for prisoner exchanges as potential indicators of genuine Russian commitment to peace. Nonetheless, Moscow dismissed the call for a temporary truce, perceiving it as a strategy to gain time while facing military setbacks.
Zelensky is also advocating for collaboration on a minerals deal, which would establish a fund from the sale of Ukrainian resources, vital to ensuring ongoing US support. Amid these discussions, reports suggested that Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region remain secure against Russian encirclement despite ongoing counteroffensives from Moscow. The situation remains volatile, compounded by Russia’s stern warnings against foreign military involvement in Ukraine, which they argue undermines peace initiatives.
In summary, President Zelensky’s visit to Saudi Arabia for talks with the Crown Prince precedes important discussions between Ukrainian and US officials, aiming for a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. U.S. strategy is evolving towards a rapid conclusion, while hopes for a minerals deal and a potential ceasefire remain focal points. Amidst Russian military aggression, the future of these negotiations will be crucial for Ukraine’s quest for security and peace, underlining the complex geopolitical interactions at play.
Original Source: www.indailysa.com.au
