U.S. and Ukrainian officials have commenced talks in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine is set to propose a partial ceasefire plan with Russia. Notable attendees include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized the necessity for concessions. Discussions have also included the potential linkage of continued military aid to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources, though this is not the talks’ main focus.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials have initiated discussions in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine plans to introduce a partial ceasefire proposal with Russia. This plan aims to include a cessation of long-range missile strikes and establish a truce in the Black Sea region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not attend the Tuesday meetings, which were represented by key officials including his chief of staff Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Prior to the discussions, President Zelenskyy expressed on social media the hope for tangible outcomes from the talks. The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, is under the direction of President Donald Trump to expedite a resolution to the ongoing conflict that commenced with Russia’s invasion in early 2022.
Rubio stated that the U.S. seeks to understand what compromises Ukraine might consider acceptable, emphasizing that they are in a listening phase. He remarked on the necessity for both sides to approach the situation with a willingness to make difficult choices, affirming the absence of a military solution.
Additionally, discussions touched upon the potential for a mineral deal as Trump has indicated that continued military aid could be linked to access to Ukraine’s valuable natural resources, including rare earth elements. However, Rubio clarified that finalizing a mineral agreement was not the central focus of the current talks.
Rubio acknowledged the constructive contributions of Britain and France in the negotiations with Ukraine and confirmed that there have been no discussions regarding China’s involvement in post-war reconstruction or peacekeeping in Ukraine. This visit marks the second for Rubio in Saudi Arabia since his taking office, following previous talks with Russian officials in Riyadh earlier in the year.
In summary, U.S. and Ukrainian officials engaged in critical discussions in Saudi Arabia, with Ukraine proposing a partial ceasefire plan amid ongoing conflict. While the potential for a deal on mineral resources exists, it is not the primary focus of the talks. The U.S. delegation emphasized the need for negotiations that may facilitate practical results for Ukraine, while acknowledging the roles of international allies in supporting the discourse.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
