Zelenskyy Affirms Participation in U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed attendance at peace talks in Saudi Arabia following a recent Oval Office clash. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to peace while responding to a Russian attack on the nation’s energy infrastructure. The situation continues to evolve amidst criticism and political maneuverings in the U.S. and Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that his delegation will engage in peace talks with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia. This announcement follows a recent contentious meeting in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, which saw Zelenskyy depart earlier than anticipated due to the disagreements.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy outlined his schedule, stating, “Next Monday, I have a visit planned to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will stay in Saudi Arabia to work with our American partners.” He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving peace.
Zelenskyy further communicated a message to President Trump, asserting that Ukraine is actively pursuing a constructive approach for a swift and reliable peace arrangement. Additionally, Ukrainian opposition figures, including former President Petro Poroshenko and former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, confirmed their discussions with U.S. leaders, though they dismissed any claims of being part of a plot to unseat Zelenskyy.
In response to Zelenskyy’s statement regarding the peace talks, Russia launched a significant attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, injuring at least ten individuals. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko reported this “massive missile and drone” assault via his Facebook account. Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for peace, emphasizing, “Ukraine is ready to pursue the path to peace. The task is to force Russia to stop the war.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov defended the attack on Ukraine’s energy resources as legitimate, suggesting it is associated with Ukraine’s military production. Attacks on Ukraine’s energy systems have been frequent throughout the ongoing conflict, with notable incidents occurring in April and December of 2024.
During a recent congressional address, President Trump expressed his intent to resolve the conflict and mentioned a letter from Zelenskyy, stating, “Earlier today, I received an important letter from President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. The letter reads, ‘Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer.’” This was part of Zelenskyy’s broader efforts to counter Trump’s claims regarding his commitment to peace following their previous confrontation.
Following their meeting, Trump criticized Zelenskyy, stating, “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.” This highlights the continuing complexities of diplomacy surrounding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy is actively pursuing peace talks with the United States in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming his dedication to achieving resolution in the ongoing conflict. The backdrop of this diplomatic effort includes significant military actions from Russia, criticism from U.S. political leaders, and ongoing discussions among opposition figures in Ukraine. As Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of peace, the situation remains delicate and requires careful navigation of both domestic and international pressures.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
