Ukrainian and US delegations will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss key aspects: resource agreements, military assistance, and negotiation formats with Russia, as articulated by Mykhailo Podolyak. A unilateral ceasefire is deemed unrelated to these negotiations. The talks, confirmed by President Zelenskyy for March 11, will involve significant representatives from both nations.
During negotiations between Ukrainian and US delegations scheduled in Saudi Arabia, three significant topics will be on the agenda: resource agreements, military assistance, and the negotiation process framework with Russia, stated Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to the Head of the Presidential Office. Podolyak emphasized that any unilateral ceasefire must be linked to a meaningful negotiation process.
Podolyak mentioned that discussions are ongoing, with direct communications between the presidential administrations regarding a potential bilateral meeting in Riyadh. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet with Saudi representatives before engaging in discussions at the US-Ukraine administrative level.
The advisor highlighted the three main aspects of the talks: the structure of the agreement between Ukraine and the US, essential military assistance, and the format of the negotiation process with Russia. Podolyak specifically pointed out the critical military equipment, such as Patriot missile systems, that the United States uniquely supplies amid ongoing threats from Russia.
Zelenskyy confirmed that the delegations from Ukraine and the US will convene in Saudi Arabia on March 11. Additionally, US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, indicated that the groundwork for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia would be a focal point during these discussions. Andriy Yermak, Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, is expected to lead the Ukrainian delegation, along with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The US delegation will comprise Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
The upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia represent a pivotal moment for Ukraine and the United States to address critical military assistance, establish a framework for peace talks with Russia, and negotiate resource agreements. The delineation between ceasefire negotiations and substantive discussions indicates the complexity and significance of these talks. Key figures from both nations will participate, reinforcing the commitment to a strong bilateral relationship amidst ongoing challenges.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
