US Officials Indicate Ukraine is Prepared to Negotiate Ceasefire with Russia

The Trump administration believes Ukraine is ready to progress on a ceasefire with Russia. Senior US officials will meet their Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia, amid pressures on President Zelensky to yield in peace talks while obtaining security guarantees. Recent tensions between the US and Ukraine complicate these discussions, yet attempts to establish a constructive dialogue continue.

The Trump administration perceives the Ukrainian leadership as “ready to move forward” regarding a ceasefire process with Russia, as stated by a senior State Department official. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are scheduled to discuss these matters with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, indicating a commitment to dialogue.

President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging for a swift ceasefire without immediate security guarantees from the US. This follows a recent public confrontation between the two leaders at the White House, where Trump expressed concerns about Zelensky’s readiness to cease fighting amidst Russia’s ongoing control of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory since the invasion in February 2022.

The State Department official noted, “The fact that they’re coming here at senior levels is a good indication to us that they want to sit down and they’re ready to move forward,” highlighting the importance of high-level discussions in this context. Although Zelensky is present in Saudi Arabia, he is not expected to have a formal role in the US talks, which will be led by senior Ukrainian officials, including National Security Adviser Andriy Yermak.

In his recent video address, Zelensky expressed hope for progress in both achieving peace and continuing military support. He is under considerable US pressure to make concessions concerning peace talks, advocating for solid security guarantees for Ukraine in light of past ceasefire violations by Russia. While there have been discussions about US pressure on Moscow for reciprocation, these details remain undisclosed.

Following the contentious interaction at the White House, Zelensky reportedly conveyed regret and sought to mend ties with the US, which is a crucial military ally. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, noted that Zelensky sent an “apology” and expressed gratitude, paving the way for renewed discussions about a structured peace framework in Saudi Arabia.

Additionally, there is renewed interest in a significant minerals deal that was stalled due to prior tensions, with Ukraine proposing access to its rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for US security assurances. The previous White House clash also caused a temporary halt in US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Trump, when questioned regarding the resumption of intelligence support, remarked, “Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done.”

In February, Rubio had discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, which were part of the ongoing intricate diplomatic dynamics following Trump’s controversial communication with Putin.

In summary, the United States is actively engaged in facilitating discussions for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, as signaled by the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia. While there is evident pressure on President Zelensky to make concessions, he seeks firm security guarantees. The situation highlights the ongoing complexities of international relations and the strategic negotiations that may shape future peace efforts and military support in the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.com