U.S. and Ukrainian delegations met in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to discuss energy infrastructure protection and security, expressing optimism for peace talks with Russia. President Zelenskyy noted constructive engagement while Defence Minister Umerov aimed for a ‘just peace.’ A recent drone attack in Kyiv underscored the conflict’s ongoing severity.
On March 24, delegations from the United States and Ukraine convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss security measures regarding the protection of energy facilities and infrastructure. This meeting was strategically scheduled prior to interactions between U.S. and Russian representatives later that same day. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed a positive outlook regarding potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict, the most severe in Europe since World War II.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed that his administration’s approach during the discussions was “completely constructive.” He emphasized the necessity of compelling President Vladimir Putin to order an end to current military offensives as a prerequisite for achieving peace. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted that the focus of these dialogues was to foster a “just peace” and enhance security in the region.
While President Zelenskyy categorized the talks as “essentially technical,” he acknowledged their crucial importance in the broader context of negotiations. Last week, President Putin had accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal from former President Donald Trump, which included a cessation of assaults on energy infrastructure. Meanwhile, the recent events were marked by a significant Russian drone strike on Kyiv, which tragically resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, including a five-year-old child, and caused considerable damage.
The discussions held between the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia signal a crucial step towards potential peace amid ongoing hostilities. With both sides expressing constructive engagement and the urgency for a ceasefire, there remains a cautious optimism about achieving a resolution. Key leaders recognize that the ultimate success hinges on decisively influencing President Putin’s actions to halt military offensives.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
