Ukraine Declines Participation in US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine will not take part in the US-Russia negotiations set for March 23 in Saudi Arabia, as clarified by the advisor Mykhailo Podolyak. The talks are solely between the US and Russia, pending insights from a key call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Discussions regarding a ceasefire are to be renewed, despite previous tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian Presidential Office has declared that Ukraine will not attend the upcoming US-Russia talks scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Presidential Office, indicated that the negotiations are intended to be bilateral between the US and Russia, with no current plans for Ukraine’s involvement.

Podolyak highlighted the necessity of waiting for the feedback from US President Donald Trump’s conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before determining the potential for Ukraine’s future participation in negotiations. The adviser stated, “The president wants to understand the contents of this call fully from Trump,” emphasizing the importance of comprehending Trump’s perspective on the discussions with Putin.

Reflecting on the previous White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, which was notably tense, Podolyak remarked on the emotional nature of that exchange. He noted that interpersonal contradictions had emerged, contributing to the complexities that will be addressed in the forthcoming US-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia.

Simultaneously, it has been reported that the US and Russia will soon renew their negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine. Mike Waltz, the US National Security Advisor, confirmed discussions with Yuri Ushakov, his Russian counterpart, aimed at enhancing the partial ceasefire negotiated by Trump. Although Putin reportedly rejected a full ceasefire, he has ostensibly agreed to suspend attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

In addition, Zelenskyy and Trump engaged in a phone conversation on March 19—their first since their previous contentious meeting—which is anticipated to cover Trump’s talks with Putin as both leaders seek to navigate the ongoing crisis effectively.

In conclusion, Ukraine has opted not to participate in the upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, with the Presidential Office emphasizing the need to await insights from Trump’s call with Zelenskyy. The current diplomatic landscape involves ongoing discussions between the US and Russia regarding a ceasefire, amid previous tensions noted during Trump and Zelenskyy’s prior interactions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as global leaders continue to address the conflict in Ukraine.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua