Ukrainian officials are poised for critical talks with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia, seeking to reinstate intelligence sharing and military aid frozen by the Trump administration. President Zelenskyy aims to present Ukraine’s readiness for peace negotiations, proposing a phased ceasefire that addresses key issues, while European allies extend their support for diplomatic efforts. Despite challenges, the situation reflects Ukraine’s prioritization of restoring ties with the U.S.
Ukrainian officials will engage in significant discussions with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week, aiming to restore intelligence sharing and military assistance halted during the Trump administration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to demonstrate Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations to conclude the war with Russia, as reported by the Financial Times.
Discussions are reportedly centered on offering a partial ceasefire involving long-range drone and missile strikes, in addition to combat operations in the Black Sea, as part of efforts to gain renewed U.S. support. This initiative comes in light of Ukraine’s military redeployment from previously seized territories, notably the Kursk region, which marked a significant impact of U.S. aid suspension. Strengthening ties with Washington is imperative for Kyiv, as progress in ceasefire negotiations is viewed as pivotal for resuming military and intelligence backing.
Zelenskyy will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, followed by formal negotiations. Andriy Yermak will lead Ukraine’s delegation, accompanied by notable officials, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to participate and aims to support the president’s objective to conclude the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Prior discussions in February at the White House highlighted deteriorating relations between Trump and Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine’s strategy in the ongoing war. Since then, Ukrainian representatives have adjusted their approach to a more conciliatory tone to restore U.S. support.
However, Trump has expressed hesitance to renew military aid and indicated the necessity of a minerals agreement. Reports clarify that such an agreement would not suffice to resume support and suggest that Trump conditions renewal on Ukraine’s agreement to negotiate peace, which may involve territorial concessions. Meanwhile, European allies have indicated support for Ukraine’s diplomatic initiatives, with efforts from a coalition of nations discussing continued aid contingent upon a ceasefire.
To secure U.S. assistance, Ukraine has proposed a phased ceasefire plan. This plan initiates with halting aerial and naval attacks, followed by actions such as prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children transported to Russia. Despite these overtures for diplomatic advancement, Russian officials remain doubtful of Ukraine’s proposed approaches, labeling them unacceptable without a comprehensive resolution.
In summary, this week’s pivotal talks in Saudi Arabia signify Ukraine’s strategic efforts to renew intelligence sharing and military assistance from the U.S., following a suspension during the prior administration. Ukraine’s proposal of a phased ceasefire, combined with the diplomatic encouragement from European partners, underscores the country’s urgency to stabilize relations with Washington. Nevertheless, skepticism from Russia and conditions set forth by former President Trump highlight the complexities surrounding renewed support for Ukraine amidst ongoing negotiations.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
