Secretary of State Marco Rubio sees promise in Ukraine’s partial ceasefire proposal ahead of US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for mutual concessions. Ukraine will propose a truce during negotiations with key officials leading discussions. The outcomes may influence US military aid and regional dynamics in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism regarding Ukraine’s proposed partial ceasefire to conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia ahead of critical discussions in Saudi Arabia. He remarked, “I am not saying that alone is enough but it’s the kind of concession you would need to see in order to end the conflict,” highlighting the necessity of concessions from both parties.
During the negotiations, Ukraine aims to suggest a truce over aerial and naval operations, a Ukrainian official informed AFP. However, Russia has previously dismissed the notion of a temporary ceasefire, regarding it as a tactic to prolong the conflict rather than facilitate genuine resolution.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss matters with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though he will not formally engage in US-Ukraine talks. The Ukrainian delegation will include key officials, such as Andriy Yermak, head of the president’s office, national security adviser, and various foreign and defense ministers.
Rubio will lead the US delegation, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. He emphasized the need to clarify Ukraine’s intentions regarding a peace agreement, acknowledging that both Ukraine and Russia must be prepared to make difficult concessions.
Rubio underlined the existence of no military solution to the conflict, asserting that a resolution could only be attained through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, President Trump has intensified pressure on Zelensky to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia without guaranteed security from the US.
These discussions come after last month’s tensions between Zelensky and the White House, culminating in a temporary halt of US military assistance and intelligence sharing with Kyiv. Rubio indicated a hope that this suspension could be “resolved”, asserting that Tuesday’s negotiations are pivotal for future support to Ukraine.
Witkoff remarked that he anticipates “substantial progress” resulting from the discussions, voicing optimism that Zelensky might return to the US for a minerals agreement beneficial to both nations. He elaborated that key topics will include security protocols and territorial matters, as well as reaffirming US intelligence support for Ukraine’s defensive needs.
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s positive remarks on Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal signal a potential shift in relations and strategies regarding the ongoing conflict with Russia. The forthcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia will involve key Ukrainian officials and aim to establish a path to peace, with both sides needing to compromise for lasting solutions. The outcomes of these discussions will significantly impact US support for Ukraine moving forward and the larger geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
