Saudi Arabia hosted US–Ukraine talks on March 11, 2023, to negotiate peace with Russia following Ukraine’s largest attack on Moscow. President Zelensky emphasized a constructive approach, while US Secretary of State Rubio called for an understanding of concessions from both sides. The discussions may also lead to US investments in Ukrainian rare minerals.
On March 11, 2023, Saudi Arabia commenced US–Ukraine discussions in Jeddah, aiming to facilitate an end to the protracted conflict with Russia. The talks followed Ukraine’s most significant assault on Moscow to date. “We hope for practical outcomes. Ukraine’s position in these talks will be fully constructive,” stated President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed his desire to renew pragmatic relations with the United States.
During his visit, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the necessity of understanding Ukraine’s stance, stating, “We have to understand the Ukrainian position and just have a general idea of what concessions they’d be willing to make…” He highlighted that a ceasefire requires concessions from both sides. The discussions will also encompass a potential agreement regarding rare minerals, enabling US investments in Ukrainian resources.
Although President Zelensky was not present at the negotiations, he previously met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace since the war’s onset and emphasized that continued hostilities are primarily instigated by Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine conducted a significant drone assault, claiming two lives and injuring 18, including children, while Russia intercepted more than 300 drones, most of which were aimed at the capital.
Last month, high-level meetings occurred in Saudi Arabia, during which US and Russian officials established a consultation mechanism to mitigate strains in diplomatic relations. According to a White House reading, they agreed on creating a pathway to conclude the conflict in Ukraine that is lasting and acceptable for all parties involved, alongside groundwork for future cooperative efforts in geopolitical interests and economic opportunities.
In summary, the Saudi-hosted talks between the US and Ukraine mark a significant effort to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. These discussions underscore the importance of understanding both parties’ positions and making necessary concessions to achieve peace. Furthermore, the potential partnership in rare minerals highlights an avenue for increased US investment in Ukrainian resources, while past high-level meetings indicate a commitment to revitalizing diplomatic relations. The recent escalation of violence only serves to emphasize the urgency of these negotiations.
Original Source: thecradle.co
