Ukraine will not attend the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, as stated by advisor Mykhailo Podolyak. The focus is on the upcoming call between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, which may influence Ukraine’s involvement in future negotiations. The US and Russia will discuss extending a ceasefire in Ukraine, amidst previous tensions and disagreements.
The Presidential Office of Ukraine has confirmed that it will not partake in the upcoming talks between the United States and Russia scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia. Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that these discussions are intended to be bilateral between the US and Russia, and thus, Ukraine will not be involved.
Podolyak emphasized the necessity to await the outcome of the conversation between US President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy. He remarked that understanding the nature of Trump’s discussion with Putin will be crucial for determining when Ukraine may engage in future negotiations.
Reflecting on the previous interaction between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, which was deemed unsuccessful, Podolyak noted that it was an emotionally charged conversation revealing significant disagreements. He mentioned that these tensions led to a need for a turnaround in negotiations, which are expected to happen during the planned meeting in Saudi Arabia.
The US and Russia are slated to resume ceasefire negotiations regarding the conflict in Ukraine, with the discussions being facilitated by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The focus of these talks, to occur in Riyadh, will include an extension of the partial ceasefire that Trump had previously brokered with Russia.
Yesterday, in a conversation, President Putin dismissed Washington’s call for a complete ceasefire, insisting upon conditions perceived as unreasonable. However, he purportedly agreed to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Additionally, President Zelenskyy and President Trump are set for an important phone call on March 19, their first since tensions flared following their last discussion in Washington.
In summary, Ukraine will abstain from the forthcoming US-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia, focusing instead on the implications of upcoming discussions involving Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. Key issues, such as Russia’s ceasefire terms and prior tensions between Zelenskyy and Trump, could significantly shape the trajectory of future negotiations. As the geopolitical landscape evolves, Ukraine aims to establish its role in subsequent discussions following the understanding gained from these critical conversations.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua