U.S.-Ukraine Diplomatic Talks in Saudi Arabia: Aiming for Military Aid Resumption
Ukrainian officials are engaging in significant talks in Saudi Arabia with the U.S. to resume military and intelligence support halted by the Trump administration. President Zelenskyy’s delegation proposes a ceasefire and aims to restore relations with Washington amidst continuing skepticism from Russia. European allies also express support for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts.
This week, Ukrainian officials will engage in crucial discussions with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia, seeking to persuade the U.S. to resume intelligence-sharing and military support, which was halted during the Trump administration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to advocate for expedited negotiations to conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to reports by Financial Times.
To facilitate renewed U.S. support, Ukrainian negotiators are proposing a partial ceasefire that would cover drone and missile strikes as well as military operations in the Black Sea. This initiative follows Ukraine’s withdrawal from recently occupied territories in the Kursk region, strongly influenced by the U.S. suspension of aid. Restoring ties with Washington has become paramount for Kyiv, with officials identifying progress in ceasefire discussions as critical to obtaining military and intelligence assistance.
Zelenskyy will arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to commencing formal negotiations. The delegation from Ukraine will include prominent figures such as Andriy Yermak, his Chief of Staff, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will represent the U.S. throughout the negotiations, focusing on advancing President Trump’s objectives regarding the cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
This diplomatic effort follows a strained meeting held at the White House on February 28, where sharp differences between President Trump and President Zelenskyy concerning Ukraine’s war strategy led to a significant decline in relations. Subsequently, Ukrainian officials have adjusted their tactics, adopting a more conciliatory approach to regain support from the U.S.
President Trump has expressed hesitation regarding re-engagement in military assistance to Ukraine. Although he did not explicitly comment on the Saudi discussions during a recent Fox News interview, he mentioned confidence in an imminent minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine. Reports indicate that a minerals deal alone may not be enough to restore aid; the U.S. is also asking for concessions regarding peace talks, including territorial negotiations and potential changes in leadership.
European allies have indicated their support for Ukraine’s diplomatic initiatives. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that Brussels and Kyiv are collaborating closely. Additionally, a coalition of approximately 20 countries, spearheaded by the UK and France, is discussing strategies for continuing support for Ukraine, although President Trump has not committed to endorsing any such plan.
To ensure U.S. assistance, Ukraine has outlined a detailed ceasefire framework. This plan aims to first halt aerial attacks and naval operations and cease strikes on civilian infrastructure before progressing to prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. However, despite Kyiv’s efforts for diplomatic advancement, Russian officials remain skeptical. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, expressed that any halt without a conclusive resolution is unacceptable.
In summary, high-level U.S.-Ukraine talks are set to occur in Saudi Arabia, with Ukraine seeking to revive military aid and intelligence-sharing discussions that were previously suspended. President Zelenskyy is advocating for a ceasefire proposal and more conciliatory approaches to restore ties with the U.S. While discussions advance, skepticism from Moscow remains evident, indicating a complex diplomatic landscape ahead.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
