Ukrainian President Zelensky announced talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a cease-fire with Russia. Key points include Zelensky’s rejection of Russian demands for the U.S. to halt military aid, the sidelining of NATO membership, and discussions about energy infrastructure ownership. Russia will have separate talks focusing on a Black Sea agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced upcoming talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia aimed at negotiating an end to the war with Russia. The discussions will involve technical teams who will clarify terms regarding a cease-fire focusing on energy and infrastructure. Zelensky expressed hope that these talks would be followed by diplomatic efforts to address discrepancies with Moscow.
Zelensky criticized Russian preconditions that the U.S. cease military assistance to Ukraine, including intelligence sharing, asserting that such demands only prolong the conflict. He lamented Russia’s success in sidelining Ukraine’s NATO membership, asserting, “We believe that this would solve many problems but the United States, as the main ally in NATO, does not support Ukraine in NATO.”
Russia has confirmed its attendance at separate talks with the U.S. in Riyadh, sending a team led by Senator Grigory Karasin. Deputy Chairman Sergei Kislyak indicated that the focus would be on resuming the Black Sea initiative that permits unrestricted exports of fertilizer from Russia and grain from Ukraine, which was halted following disputes over sanctions.
Kislyak emphasized Moscow’s stance that the EU’s discourse disqualified it from negotiations, alleging that Kyiv was not prepared to make concessions, and reiterated the demand for the U.S. to halt military support to Ukraine. Zelensky rebutted any discussion about U.S. ownership of Ukraine’s power plants, asserting that they belong to the Ukrainian state and detailing the challenges posed by the illegal seizure of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station.
Zelensky expressed openness towards U.S. investment in modernizing the power station but clarified that ownership issues were not on the table. He denied claims that discussions about U.S. control over Ukraine’s energy sector were considered, stating that integration with Europe’s energy grid offers significant security benefits for Ukraine.
The article highlights the critical discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. regarding a cease-fire with Russia amidst ongoing conflict. Zelensky’s criticisms of Russian preconditions and the NATO membership debate reflect the complexities of international negotiation. As parties prepare for talks in Saudi Arabia, both nations hold firm on their positions, notably concerning military support and energy asset ownership.
Original Source: www.upi.com
