US-Ukraine Diplomatic Efforts in Saudi Arabia: Aiming for Ceasefire and Support

Ukrainian officials are negotiating with US counterparts in Saudi Arabia to resume military and intelligence support, previously halted by the Trump administration. President Zelenskyy emphasizes readiness for swift negotiations to end the war with Russia and proposes a partial ceasefire. European allies express solidarity, yet challenges remain within US politics and Russia’s skepticism.

Ukrainian officials are engaged in high-stakes discussions with United States representatives in Saudi Arabia this week, focusing on the resumption of intelligence-sharing and military aid, previously halted during President Donald Trump’s administration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to convey that Ukraine is ready for swift negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to insiders cited by the Financial Times.

Ukrainian negotiators propose a partial ceasefire to include long-range missiles and drone strikes, as well as military activities in the Black Sea, with the aim of securing increased support from the US. This dialogue follows Ukraine’s withdrawal from previously occupied Russian territories in the Kursk region, highlighting the impact of the US aid suspension. Strengthening relations with Washington remains a priority for Kyiv, with officials recognizing ceasefire discussions as crucial for restoring military and intelligence support.

President Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to formal negotiations beginning Tuesday. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Andriy Yermak, including Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to attend from Monday to Wednesday, advocating for efforts to advance peace in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The negotiations are unfolding after a tense meeting at the White House on February 28, which strained relations between the Trump administration and Zelenskyy due to differing strategies regarding Ukraine’s war approach. Ukrainian officials have since adopted a more cooperative stance to reconcile with Washington.

President Trump remains hesitant to reinstate military assistance for Ukraine. While he did not mention the Saudi talks directly during a recent Fox News interview, he expressed confidence in an impending minerals agreement with Ukraine. However, NBC News indicated that such an agreement alone would not suffice for renewing aid. The Trump administration demands Ukraine adjust its peace negotiations, potentially including territorial concessions and political shifts regarding elections or President Zelenskyy’s position.

European allies have voiced their support for Ukraine’s diplomatic initiatives. As President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission stated, Brussels and Kyiv are collaborating closely. Approximately 20 nations, led by the UK and France, have discussed continuing support for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, although Trump’s commitment to this plan remains uncertain.

To obtain US assistance, Ukraine has introduced a phased ceasefire framework. This framework suggests starting with a cessation of aerial and naval attacks, followed by the resolution of strikes on civilian infrastructure. Subsequent steps would involve prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. However, Moscow expresses skepticism towards Ukraine’s approach, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asserting that any pause is unacceptable without a final resolution.

In conclusion, the ongoing discussions between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia highlight the urgency for renewed military support and intelligence-sharing. Ukrainian officials are strategically positioning themselves for negotiations and proposing frameworks for a ceasefire to facilitate their objectives. However, the complexities of past relations with the Trump administration and current geopolitical dynamics pose significant challenges to achieving a favorable outcome. The situation remains tense as Russia expresses doubts regarding Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the necessity for a decisive resolution in the conflict.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com