Ukraine Peace Talks: Zelensky Engages with Saudi Crown Prince Ahead of U.S. Discussions

President Zelensky met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before talks with U.S. officials aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The discussions will evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions for peace as the Biden administration seeks to resume support. Amidst ongoing Russian military threats, the situation remains tense, highlighting diplomatic intricacies in achieving a resolution.

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, coinciding with upcoming negotiations between Ukrainian and U.S. officials aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Saudi crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s commitment to supporting international efforts to settle the crisis in Ukraine, as reported by the Saudi state news agency, SPA.

The United States, which has previously been a key ally to Ukraine, has shifted its approach in seeking a swift resolution to the war. This shift includes direct engagement with Moscow while halting military aid to Ukraine, following the Russian invasion in 2022. Ukraine seeks pragmatic relationships, especially after an unsuccessful meeting between Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump last month.

The scheduled talks on Tuesday will include high-level U.S. and Ukrainian officials, marking the first official dialogue since Zelensky’s unfortunate meeting at the White House. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about the potential advancements from these discussions, stating a positive outlook on the prospect of moving forward.

Despite some optimism, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted a more cautious approach, emphasizing the necessity for Kyiv to consider concessions for peace. He noted that the success of the talks does not hinge solely on signing a formal agreement but on assessing Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate.

Facing significant pressure from Trump, Zelensky strives to convey Ukraine’s commitment to achieving peace promptly, even without securing the U.S. security guarantees he views as essential to any peace agreement. He will not personally participate in the talks but has dispatched key officials, including his chief of staff and ministers of foreign affairs and defense.

Zelensky indicated a readiness for constructive dialogue, stressing the importance of swift action. U.S. officials plan to evaluate whether Ukraine is prepared to make the necessary concessions for a realistic peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hopes that these discussions would lead to the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence support for Ukraine.

As the negotiations approach, Russia launched air strikes targeting various regions in Ukraine, intensifying the threat amidst the peace talks. Witkoff noted that establishing a framework for a peace agreement and initial ceasefire is a primary goal of the ongoing discussions. Zelensky has proposed initiatives such as a ceasefire and prisoner exchanges to test Russia’s commitment to peace, although Moscow has dismissed notions of temporary truces as efforts to stall.

The recent meeting between President Zelensky and the Saudi Crown Prince highlights ongoing international efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. As the U.S. shifts its approach to favor negotiations with Russia, officials from both nations prepare for critical talks aimed at achieving a substantial advancement toward peace. Notably, the outlook remains cautious amid ongoing military threats from Russia, underscoring the complexities surrounding potential concessions by Ukraine and the need for continued international support.

Original Source: www.indailysa.com.au