Ukrainian President Zelenskyy confirmed participation in U.S. peace talks in Saudi Arabia, following a recent clash with Trump. He expressed a commitment to peace but faced Russian military attacks on energy infrastructure. Opposition leaders reaffirmed support without plans to oust Zelenskyy amidst ongoing tensions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his delegation will participate in peace talks with American officials in Saudi Arabia. This announcement follows a recent contentious meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House, which concluded earlier than anticipated due to disagreements.
Zelenskyy stated via a post on X, “Next Monday, I have a visit planned to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace.” He reiterated his commitment to working towards a swift and reliable resolution to the conflict.
Additionally, the Ukrainian opposition leaders, including former President Petro Poroshenko, have confirmed their own discussions with U.S. officials. They have publicly refuted allegations suggesting that they are part of a plan to oust Zelenskyy from power, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability during wartime.
In a separate context, President Trump had criticized Zelenskyy for not holding elections, leading Poroshenko to argue that elections should only occur post-martial law. In response to Zelenskyy’s engagement in peace talks, Russia conducted an assault on Ukraine’s energy sector, resulting in damage and injuries to civilians.
Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko reported significant missile and drone strikes, injuring at least ten individuals. Zelenskyy addressed the attacks through a social media post, asserting, “Ukraine is ready to pursue the path to peace, and it is Ukraine that strives for peace from the very first second of this war. The task is to force Russia to stop the war.”
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended Russia’s military actions as legitimate, connecting them to Ukraine’s military and industrial sectors. The ongoing conflict has seen repeated assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, significantly impacting the nation’s resilience.
During a recent address before Congress, President Trump expressed his intentions to seek an end to the war while reading a letter from Zelenskyy that emphasized Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations. He noted, “Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer. Nobody wants peace more than the Ukrainians.”
Following the tense Oval Office meeting, Trump criticized Zelenskyy, suggesting that he perceived Zelenskyy’s approach as seeking an advantageous U.S. involvement rather than a genuine desire for peace. The former President stated on Truth Social, “He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s recent confirmation of Ukraine’s participation in peace talks in Saudi Arabia highlights the ongoing diplomatic efforts towards conflict resolution. Despite the contentious prior meeting with President Trump, Zelenskyy maintains a strong emphasis on peace. Concurrently, Russia’s aggressive military actions underscore the persistent challenges facing Ukraine, while the dialogue between Ukrainian leaders and U.S. officials continues to evolve amidst these tensions.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com