President Zelensky met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah before peace talks with US officials. The US has shifted its approach to the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing a swift resolution and investigating Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions. The situation remains tense as Russia continues air strikes and rejects calls for a ceasefire. Zelensky’s delegation will pursue discussions on a minerals deal critical for US backing.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, prior to scheduled discussions between Ukrainian and US officials aimed at resolving the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting global efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, as reported by the Saudi state news agency, SPA.
The United States, traditionally Ukraine’s key ally, has recently altered its stance, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to the conflict. This shift includes direct engagement with Moscow and a cessation of military assistance and intelligence sharing. Following a tumultuous meeting between Zelensky and US President Trump last month, Ukraine is advocating for more pragmatic diplomatic relations.
The talks set for Tuesday represent the first official dialogue since Zelensky’s unsuccessful visit to the White House. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, expressed optimism regarding the potential for progress, anticipating substantial outcomes from the discussions.
During the negotiations, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed out that while details regarding a minerals deal remain uncertain, success could still emerge without a formal agreement. He emphasized the necessity to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions for peace.
Under significant pressure from Trump, Zelensky has publicly reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to expediting an end to hostilities, although he will not be attending the talks. Instead, his delegation will be represented by key officials, including his chief of staff and ministers of foreign affairs and defense.
Zelensky highlighted the Ukrainian side’s dedication to engaging in constructive dialogue and expressed hope for expedient negotiations, indicating that realistic proposals are ready for discussion. US officials aim to ascertain if Ukraine is prepared to pursue a realistic peace solution.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlined the importance of these talks, suggesting they could lead to the resumption of US aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. Rubio confirmed that Ukraine is currently receiving necessary defensive intelligence, indicating that resolving aid issues hinges on the outcomes of the upcoming discussions.
As preparations for negotiations unfolded, Russia intensified its military actions, launching air strikes against Kyiv and other regions. Concurrently, Zelensky called for a truce and proposed prisoner exchanges as assessments of Russia’s commitment to peace efforts continue. However, Moscow rejected the idea of a temporary ceasefire, accusing the West of attempting to delay its military operations.
Zelensky asserted that Ukraine is ready to finalize a minerals deal with the United States, intended to establish a joint fund for mineral sales, underscoring its significance for continued American support. Meanwhile, developments in the Kursk region indicate that Ukrainian forces face increasing pressure from Russian troops, casting uncertainty on the situation.
The Russian Embassy has issued warnings against Australia potentially joining a coalition to intervene militarily in Ukraine, labeling any foreign military presence as unacceptable. This statement cautioned that such actions could undermine peace efforts rather than contribute to them.
In summary, President Zelensky’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and subsequent talks with US officials suggest a renewed international effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Amidst changing dynamics in US support and Russian military actions, both parties are exploring avenues for peace, including discussions of concessions and agreements on resources. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the future of Ukraine’s relationship with its allies and its strategy moving forward.
Original Source: www.indailysa.com.au
