Ukrainian President Zelensky held a news conference following positive US-Ukraine ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia, where they discussed military aid restoration. The Kremlin remains hesitant, signaling concerns must be addressed. Senator Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s intention to engage Moscow and emphasized the necessity of deterrence for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.
On March 12, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a news conference following positive ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia between US and Ukrainian officials. The talks resulted in agreements not only for a ceasefire but also for the restoration of US military aid and enhanced intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia would not comment on the proposals until after discussions with the US. Sources close to the Kremlin indicated that President Putin is unlikely to accept the ceasefire in its current form, emphasizing the need for Moscow’s concerns to be addressed before any agreement.
In a statement from Ireland, Senator Marco Rubio noted that Washington would contact Moscow directly regarding the ceasefire agreement. He asserted that Ukraine is ready to cease all battlefield activities and initiate negotiations for a permanent resolution to the conflict.
Rubio further stressed the importance of establishing deterrence against Russia as a fundamental aspect of achieving lasting peace in Ukraine. He stated, “There is no way to have enduring peace without the deterrence piece being part of that.”
In summary, President Zelensky’s press conference highlighted the advancements in ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia, where both the US and Ukraine reached agreements that involve military aid restoration. However, the Kremlin remains cautious, indicating that concerns must be resolved before acceptance. Senator Rubio emphasized that further engagement with Russia is crucial for moving towards a stable resolution, combined with the need for deterrence to ensure peace.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk