U.S. and Ukrainian officials are engaged in talks in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine is set to propose a partial ceasefire plan with Russia. The discussions also center around U.S. military aid and potential concessions. While mineral resource deals are mentioned, they are not the main focus of the discussions, which emphasize understanding Ukraine’s needs and the broader geopolitical context.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials began discussions in Saudi Arabia where Ukraine is set to present a partial ceasefire plan with Russia. This plan proposes an end to long-range missile strikes and a truce specifically for the Black Sea region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was absent, represented by chief of staff Andriy Yermak and other key officials.
Zelenskyy expressed on X that Ukraine seeks “practical outcomes” from the talks. The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is motivated to resolve the current pause in aid to Ukraine. Rubio emphasized the need to understand what concessions Ukraine is willing to consider.
The U.S. is not focused on delineating territorial boundaries but on gaining insights into Ukraine’s potential compromises. He acknowledged that there are no purely military solutions and emphasized that both sides must make difficult decisions. In a related context, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Rubio and had previously spoken to Zelenskyy in Riyadh.
Former President Trump has indicated interest in tying military aid to U.S. access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources, which includes critical materials like uranium, lithium, and titanium. However, Rubio clarified that mineral agreements were not the central theme of the current talks.
He noted that negotiations will prioritize a specific agreement over a memorandum of understanding, suggesting that mineral discussions will take longer. Rubio acknowledged the supportive roles of Britain and France in the ongoing talks, and stated that there has been no consideration of Chinese involvement in Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction efforts.
Rubio’s recent visit marks his second trip to Saudi Arabia since taking office, following meetings with Russian officials in February.
The discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials aim to facilitate a ceasefire with Russia, managing military aid concerns and exploring potential concessions from Ukraine. While mineral resource agreements are on the table, they do not dominate the agenda. Understanding the need for compromise, the U.S. seeks to navigate complex geopolitical negotiations with assistance from allies while remaining attentive to Ukraine’s strategic interests.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
