U.S. and Russian diplomats held talks in Saudi Arabia concerning a peace plan for Ukraine, notably without Ukrainian officials present. The discussions included potential ceasefire terms and future Ukrainian elections, while Zelenskyy criticized the exclusion of Ukraine from negotiations. The talks underscore ongoing tensions in the Ukraine conflict and differing international responses to the situation.
U.S. and Russian officials recently conducted diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace efforts in Ukraine, notably without any Ukrainian representatives present. The discussions, spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focused on potential terms for a peace agreement, including a possible ceasefire and future elections in Ukraine.
Secretary of State Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio’s delegation aimed to establish a foundation for cooperation on various issues besides Ukraine. The talks highlighted a possible requirement for Ukraine to hold new elections as part of the peace process, driven by the belief among both U.S. and Russian officials that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may struggle to secure re-election.
Reports indicate that Russia’s assessment includes a belief in the potential election of a more negotiable Ukrainian leader. U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick publicly opposed the concept of enforced elections in Ukraine, emphasizing that any peace negotiations must involve Ukrainian participation. President Zelenskyy previously expressed his skepticism towards any agreements made without Ukrainian input.
During these talks, Zelenskyy cut short an international trip and returned to Kyiv in response to the negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff noted that the primary goal of these discussions was to build trust rather than finalize a peace agreement.
Zelenskyy conveyed to Trump in a recent conversation that he regards Russian President Putin as untrustworthy, asserting that Putin is unlikely to seek genuine peace. Excluding European representatives from the talks has raised concerns about the lack of collective European integration in handling the crisis.
U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer has indicated a willingness to deploy British troops to Ukraine to bolster its security, emphasizing the broader implications for continental safety and security. He acknowledged the serious responsibility that comes with this potential action, reinforcing the interconnected nature of European security.
The diplomatic discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, lack Ukrainian input, which remains a critical concern. While both nations strategize around potential new elections in Ukraine, skepticism from President Zelenskyy and U.S. lawmakers signals significant hurdles to trust and cooperation. The engagement highlights ongoing tensions and the complex dynamics surrounding international negotiations in the region.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
