The U.S. reports that Ukraine is ready to pursue a ceasefire with Russia amid ongoing diplomatic discussions. Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Adviser Waltz are meeting with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, while President Zelensky seeks security guarantees in return for concessions. Recent tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine have affected military support, but a renewed focus on peace negotiations is evident.
According to a senior U.S. State Department official, Ukraine appears ready to advance on the U.S. demand for a ceasefire with Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. This initiative comes as President Trump intensifies his pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a swift ceasefire, albeit with no immediate security guarantees from the U.S.
In February 2022, Russia commenced a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, currently occupying approximately 20% of the country’s territory. Following a public disagreement at the White House, where Trump criticized Zelensky for not being ready to cease hostilities, it seems the U.S. is optimistic about the upcoming discussions. The State Department official noted, “The fact that they’re coming here at senior levels is a good indication to us that they want to sit down and they’re ready to move forward.”
Zelensky is also in Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, although he is not expected to be directly involved in talks with the U.S. delegation. Ukraine’s representatives include Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky’s office, along with national security and defense ministers. In a recent video address, Zelensky conveyed hopes for meaningful outcomes in both achieving peace and securing ongoing support.
Despite U.S. pressure for Ukraine to make concessions prior to any peace negotiations, Zelensky insists on firm security guarantees for Kyiv, pointing out previous violations of ceasefire agreements by Putin. The nature of U.S. pressures on Russia remains undisclosed. After the tensions at the White House, Zelensky expressed remorse and sought to mend relations with the U.S., which is Ukraine’s primary military supporter.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, noted that following the White House incident, Zelensky sent a letter conveying an “apology” and gratitude to Trump. During the discussions in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. aims to establish a peace framework to address the ongoing conflict. Additionally, a significant deal regarding Ukraine’s rare earth minerals is back on the table, which Ukraine is willing to offer to the U.S. in exchange for security assurances.
The altercation at the White House led to a suspension of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Trump indicated a willingness to lift the intelligence aid pause, stating, “Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done.”
Prior to the tensions in Washington, Rubio had engaged with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, continuing discussions following Trump’s contentious conversation with Putin.
In summary, the U.S. believes Ukraine is poised to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia, as indicated by upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. President Zelensky faces pressure to concede while seeking firm security guarantees for Ukraine. Recent disagreements have strained U.S.-Ukraine relations, but efforts are underway to establish a peace framework and potentially revive a significant minerals deal. The U.S. is weighing the resumption of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after a prior pause.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
