A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Saudi Arabia to prepare for a possible visit by President Zelenskiy, focusing on economic ties. Meanwhile, top US envoys are also heading to Saudi Arabia for imminent discussions about a resolution to the Ukraine war, although direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian representatives appear unlikely for now. Zelenskiy insists on Ukraine’s participation in negotiations, amidst a broader shift in diplomatic efforts involving former President Trump’s leadership.
A Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Saudi Arabia to prepare for a potential visit from President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Yulia Svyrydenko, the Ukrainian Economy Minister, announced that the primary goal of the meetings is to enhance economic ties and to finalize important agreements with regional countries. No explicit link between Zelenskiy’s prospective trip and the anticipated US-Russia discussions was clarified by Svyrydenko, nor were details regarding the timeline or potential meetings disclosed.
Andriy Yermak, a senior adviser to President Zelenskiy, stated that there would be no direct meetings between Ukrainian and Russian representatives in the near future. Yermak emphasized the need to establish a comprehensive plan for ending the war and achieving a “just peace” before any direct discussions could occur. Additionally, Mykhailo Podolyak, another adviser to Zelenskiy, dismissed the idea of Ukraine participating in any planned US-Russia meetings in Saudi Arabia, asserting that there is currently nothing worth negotiating.
Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, a special envoy and close ally of former President Donald Trump, indicated that revised discussions concerning the war in Ukraine are imminent in Saudi Arabia. Witkoff, along with national security adviser Mike Waltz, is scheduled for meetings aimed at making significant progress regarding the Russia-Ukraine situation. Although no specific details about the discussions were provided, Witkoff mentioned that talks would commence at the direction of the President.
Following a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump noted their agreement to initiate negotiations to end the conflict. This announcement, alongside Trump’s appointing of a team including Witkoff and Waltz to lead discussions, signifies a crucial shift in U.S. foreign policy. Furthermore, Zelenskiy has firmly stated that Ukraine will not accept negotiations that exclude its involvement, and European leaders have also called for inclusion in the dialogue.
The context for these developments includes the International Criminal Court’s recent arrest warrant for Putin and widespread condemnation from Western nations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Witkoff did not elaborate on whether Ukraine would need to concede substantial territorial claims during talks, emphasizing instead the importance of trust-building and the urgent need to end the ongoing conflict.
The article outlines significant diplomatic activities surrounding Ukraine’s potential interactions with Saudi Arabia amid looming US-Russia negotiations. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Yulia Svyrydenko, aims to strengthen economic ties, while officials express a strong reluctance to engage in talks without Ukrainian representation. The developments highlight a transformative moment in international diplomacy relating to the ongoing conflict, accentuated by the urgency of trust-building and the critical demand for peace.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
