U.S. and Ukrainian officials initiated talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss a ceasefire plan with Russia, emphasizing halting missile strikes and a truce in the Black Sea. President Zelenskyy expressed hopes for practical outcomes, while U.S. Secretary Rubio indicated a focus on understanding Ukrainian concessions. Discussions on minerals are less prioritized, with significant input from allied nations during the negotiations.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials commenced discussions on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, during which Ukraine is expected to propose a ceasefire plan with Russia. The plan aims to cease long-range missile strikes and establish a truce in the Black Sea region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not present, but his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, along with key ministers represented Ukraine.
Ahead of the talks, President Zelenskyy expressed hope for “practical outcomes” on the social media platform X. The U.S. delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz, amidst President Donald Trump’s efforts to expedite a resolution to the war initiated by Russia’s invasion in early 2022.
Secretary Rubio indicated that the United States is eager to resolve the ongoing pause in military aid to Ukraine. He highlighted that the U.S. is currently in a listening phase to gauge potential compromises Ukraine may consider. He stated, “We are not going to be sitting in a room drawing lines on a map,” reiterating the need for both warring nations to engage in challenging negotiations without recourse to military solutions.
On the same day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Rubio in Jeddah and had earlier conferred with President Zelenskyy in Riyadh. Furthermore, former President Trump has shown interest in linking military assistance to access to Ukraine’s abundant raw materials, including critical minerals.
Rubio clarified that discussions concerning Ukraine’s mineral resources were not the primary focus of Tuesday’s meetings, suggesting that while it is an essential topic, the negotiations have broader priorities. He remarked, “I wouldn’t prejudge tomorrow by whether or not we have a minerals deal.” Additionally, he acknowledged the constructive involvement of Britain and France in facilitating dialogues with Ukraine while affirming no plans for China’s engagement in postwar reconstruction efforts.
This visit marks Rubio’s second trip to Saudi Arabia since his tenure began, following discussions with Russian officials earlier this year. He is scheduled to proceed to Canada on Wednesday to engage with G7 foreign ministers.
In summary, the ongoing discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials signify a critical step toward a proposed ceasefire plan with Russia. With emphasis on halting missile strikes and establishing a truce in the Black Sea, key leaders from Ukraine and the U.S. are focusing on potential compromises to foster peace. Notably, while discussions on mineral resources exist, they are not the primary concern of the talks. Collaboration among Western allies remains pivotal as efforts continue to address the conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
