U.S. officials are heading to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian diplomats about ending the Ukraine conflict. Secretary Rubio cautioned against expecting immediate breakthroughs, while President Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s involvement in negotiations and expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions. The importance of U.S. military support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression was also highlighted.
Top U.S. officials are set to travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian diplomats regarding the resolution of the ongoing three-year conflict in Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio tempered expectations for immediate progress, emphasizing that achieving peace is a complex process that cannot be accomplished in a single meeting. He stated, “A process towards peace is not a one-meeting thing.”
Following a recent call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which initiated peace negotiations, Rubio expressed uncertainty about Moscow’s commitment to a meaningful dialogue. He noted, “We will see in the coming days and weeks if Vladimir Putin is interested in negotiating an end to the war in Ukraine in a way that is sustainable and fair.” Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy and U.S. national security adviser are en route to Riyadh for talks, alongside a Ukrainian minister preparing for potential discussions involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
While the nature of these discussions remains unclear, Rubio pointed out that the ultimate goal would be to engage Ukraine in the conversation. He remarked, “Once real negotiations begin, then Ukraine will have to be involved.” Zelenskyy voiced strong opposition to decisions being made without Ukrainian input, asserting, “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never.”
Zelenskyy also alleged that Putin is insincere in his peace overtures, calling him a liar during his recent conversation with Trump. He communicated, “I said that he is a liar. And [Trump] said, ‘I think my feeling is that he’s ready for these negotiations.’ And I said to him, ‘No, he’s a liar. He doesn’t want any peace.’” He stressed that continued support from the U.S. is crucial for Ukraine’s ability to confront Russia effectively.
As it stands, Russia controls around 20% of Ukraine’s territory, having annexed Crimea in 2014 and dominating parts of eastern Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The future of U.S. military support remains pivotal as Zelenskyy emphasized, “Probably it will be very, very, very difficult” to achieve victory without it.
The current negotiations occurring in Saudi Arabia highlight significant tensions regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Secretary Rubio emphasizes caution regarding potential breakthroughs, while President Zelenskyy insists on Ukraine’s role in negotiations. The outcome of these discussions may significantly influence the ongoing dynamics of the conflict, especially concerning U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
