President Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman prior to U.S.-Ukrainian talks aimed at resolving the conflict following Russia’s invasion. Cautious optimism is noted concerning a minerals deal and potential concessions from Ukraine. Tensions remain high as Russia continues airstrikes in Ukraine, and diplomatic efforts are underway to establish a basis for peace.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah ahead of crucial talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials. The discussions aim to seek substantial progress towards concluding the ongoing conflict instigated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Saudi leadership emphasized its commitment to supporting peace initiatives related to Ukraine’s crisis, according to the Saudi state news agency.
Amid evolving policies from Washington, which has shifted its approach to prioritize a swift resolution to the conflict, the U.S. ceased military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Zelensky’s administration is advocating for more pragmatic relationships following a previous, unproductive meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The forthcoming discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials mark the first formal session since the unfruitful White House engagement, with representatives expressing optimism about the potential outcomes. Steve Witkoff, an envoy for the Middle East, indicated that there are high hopes for substantial progress during these discussions.
Nonetheless, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio adopted a more cautious view, noting that while an agreement on the proposed minerals deal is still being negotiated, success can be achieved without a formal signing. He stressed the importance of assessing Ukraine’s willingness to compromise as part of peace discussions.
Zelensky will not attend the direct talks, but his delegation will include high-ranking officials, such as his chief of staff and ministers of foreign affairs and defense. In an announcement on X, Zelensky affirmed Ukraine’s dedication to constructive dialogue, emphasizing the necessity for swift and effective actions in negotiations.
U.S. officials aim to evaluate whether Kyiv is ready to make material compromises to achieve peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that these discussions would facilitate the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence to Ukraine, while Rubio mentioned that Ukraine is currently receiving defensive intelligence from the U.S.
While these diplomatic efforts are ongoing, Russia conducted airstrikes against targets in Kyiv and other locations, indicating the precarious situation. Witkoff has reiterated the goal of laying down a framework for a potential peace agreement and an initial ceasefire, which Zelensky has deemed essential for testing Russia’s willingness to end hostilities.
President Zelensky is also ready to finalize a minerals deal with the U.S., aimed at establishing a mutual investment fund from Ukrainian mineral sales, essential for sustaining U.S. support. In the meantime, the tactical situation for Ukrainian forces is tense, particularly in the Kursk region, where recent movements have raised concerns of encirclement by Russian troops.
Following rising tensions, the Russian Embassy in Canberra warned of severe consequences should Australia join any military coalition in Ukraine, reiterating opposition to foreign military presence, which it views as detrimental to peace efforts. The statement conveyed that such actions would compromise the potential for peace.
In summary, President Zelensky’s recent diplomatic engagements in Saudi Arabia mark an important step toward addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussions involving U.S. officials, while highlighting the complexities surrounding military and humanitarian assistance, seek to achieve progress towards peace. As geopolitical dynamics shift, the critical focus remains on whether Ukraine can secure support while preparing to make necessary concessions for a lasting resolution.
Original Source: www.indailysa.com.au
