Ukraine Declines Participation in US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukraine’s delegation will not participate in the US-Russia negotiations scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by Mykhailo Podolyak. The discussions are strictly bilateral, determining Ukraine’s absence. Future engagement will depend on the outcomes of communications between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, following a previously emotive meeting. Meanwhile, the US and Russia plan to resume ceasefire talks amid ongoing tensions.
The Ukrainian delegation has officially stated it will not take part in the forthcoming US-Russia talks scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office. The discussions will primarily be bilateral between the US and Russia, which has led to Ukraine’s choice to abstain from participation at this time.
Podolyak mentioned that the outcomes of the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be pivotal in determining the timing of Ukraine’s involvement in future negotiations. The adviser emphasized, “The president wants to understand the contents of this call fully from Trump. The main thing is to understand how Trump sees the results of his call with Putin, and to draw conclusions from that.”
Reflecting on a previous meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, Podolyak noted that it revealed significant contradictions that had accumulated during their discussions. He remarked, “It was a fairly emotional conversation in the Oval Office, and it showed that contradictions had built up.” These issues, according to Podolyak, will influence the nature of discussions held during the upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, it has been announced that the US and Russia are set to resume negotiations regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz indicated that he and his Russian counterpart, Yuri Ushakov, have arranged to meet in Riyadh. This meeting aims to focus on expanding the partial ceasefire negotiated by President Trump with Russia, although Putin has previously dismissed calls for a comprehensive ceasefire.
In addition to this, President Zelenskyy and President Trump are engaged in a telephone conversation on March 19, marking their first dialogue since a contentious meeting at the White House. They will discuss the implications of Trump’s discussion with President Putin, as tensions remain high due to the ongoing conflict.
In summary, Ukraine’s non-participation in the upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia highlights its strategic approach following prior diplomatic tensions. The outcomes of President Trump’s conversation with President Zelenskyy are expected to shape Ukraine’s future negotiations. Additionally, ongoing discussions between the US and Russia regarding a ceasefire reflect the complexity of the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine conflict. Understanding the nuances of these dialogues will be crucial for Ukraine’s position moving forward.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
