Ukrainian officials are negotiating with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia, seeking to restore military aid and intelligence-sharing halted during Trump’s administration. President Zelenskyy aims to present a framework for negotiations and a ceasefire to facilitate U.S. support. Tensions remain high as Trump’s conditions for aid include territorial concessions and a shift in Ukraine’s peace strategy, amidst cautious European backing and skepticism from Moscow.
High-level discussions between Ukrainian officials and their U.S. counterparts are scheduled to take place this week in Saudi Arabia. The objective of these talks is to persuade the U.S. government to recommence intelligence-sharing and military assistance that had been suspended during President Trump’s administration. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to advocate for Kyiv’s readiness to engage in prompt negotiations aimed at concluding the conflict with Russia, as reported by the Financial Times.
Ukrainian negotiators are reportedly offering a partial ceasefire that would halt long-range drone and missile strikes along with combat operations in the Black Sea. This proposal aims to secure renewed U.S. support in light of the recent withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from previously captured territories in the Kursk region, which was one of the first evident consequences of the U.S. aid suspension. Strengthening relations with Washington is emphasized as a critical step in securing further intelligence and military assistance.
President Zelenskyy is anticipated to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a crucial meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before formal negotiations commence on Tuesday. The head of Zelenskyy’s office, Andriy Yermak, will lead the Ukrainian delegation, which includes notable figures such as Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to participate in the discussions in Jeddah, tasked with promoting the president’s objective of ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
This round of talks follows a tense meeting at the White House on February 28, where disagreements over Ukraine’s war strategy resulted in deteriorating relations between Trump and Zelenskyy. In response, Ukrainian officials have adjusted their diplomatic strategy, adopting a more conciliatory approach in hopes of regaining U.S. support. However, Trump has displayed hesitance to re-engage in military aid, indicating in a recent Fox News interview that while a minerals deal may be imminent, it will not suffice to replenish aid alone.
Trump’s administration is reportedly advocating for Ukraine to alter its position on peace negotiations, suggesting more flexibility concerning territorial claims and even considering a potential resignation from Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, European allies have expressed support for Ukraine’s diplomatic endeavors, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noting close cooperation between Brussels and Kyiv. A coalition of approximately 20 nations, led by the UK and France, is also exploring ways to maintain support for Ukraine if a ceasefire is established, although Trump has yet to affirm his backing for such plans.
Ukraine’s proposed ceasefire framework outlines a sequential approach beginning with the cessation of aerial attacks and naval operations, as well as ending strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure. The plan also includes provisions for prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Despite Ukraine’s diplomatic overture, Moscow has expressed skepticism regarding the initiative. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova remarked that “some kind of respite is absolutely unacceptable” without a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
In summary, high-level U.S.-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia aim to restore military and intelligence support, which was previously suspended. Ukraine is proposing a partial ceasefire as a strategy to regain U.S. backing while adjusting its diplomatic approach after past tensions. Although European allies support these efforts, the U.S. administration’s conditions for renewed aid remain a challenge, as seen through Trump’s hesitance and calls for more concessions from Ukraine. Despite these diplomatic efforts, skepticism from Russia complicates the potential for meaningful progress.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
