Ukrainian President Zelensky met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss peace efforts ahead of US-Ukrainian talks aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. The US is reassessing its support policy, engaging directly with Russia while pushing for a swift resolution, amidst ongoing military pressures and hopes for a minerals deal. Zelensky has indicated willingness for constructive dialogue but faces military challenges as discussions unfold.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, coinciding with upcoming talks between Ukrainian and US officials aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international efforts for peace in Ukraine, as reported by the Saudi state news agency (SPA).
The United States has shifted its approach towards Ukraine, seeking a swift resolution to the conflict while directly engaging with Moscow. This change includes a halt to military assistance and intelligence sharing since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Following a difficult meeting at the White House last month, Ukraine is advocating for more pragmatic relations with the US.
Today’s discussions mark the first official dialogue since Zelensky’s controversial White House meeting. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism about achieving significant progress in negotiations. He discussed the potential for Zelensky to finalize a minerals deal during this visit, stating, “I am really hopeful. All the signs are very, very positive.”
Despite the optimistic tone, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio exercised caution, noting that further discussions are necessary before finalizing the minerals deal. He emphasized the importance of assessing Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to foster a peaceful resolution.
Zelensky, demonstrating commitment to peace, announced he would not attend the negotiations but sent a capable Ukrainian delegation. He emphasized constructive dialogue and the urgency for effective proposals to facilitate peace discussions. US officials will assess Ukraine’s readiness to consider realistic options for ceasing hostilities, highlighting the significance of the upcoming meeting.
As the negotiations approached, Russia conducted airstrikes on Kyiv and other regions, reflecting the ongoing military tension in Ukraine. Zou’s statements indicate he seeks a ceasefire and other initial peace agreement frameworks, although Russia has dismissed the notion of any interim truce, labeling it as a stalling tactic by Ukraine.
Zelensky reaffirmed readiness to finalize a minerals agreement with the US, which is crucial for securing ongoing US support amidst political shifts. Meanwhile, the situation in the Kursk region remains tense as Ukrainian troops face Russian forces, though military leaders claim there is no immediate risk of encirclement.
In a separate context, the Russian Embassy in Australia warned that any military involvement from Australia in Ukraine would lead to “grave consequences,” reiterating that foreign troops in Ukraine would undermine peace efforts.
Overall, the discussions in Jeddah represent a critical juncture in peace negotiations, amid shifting international stances and ongoing military challenges.
The recent meeting between Zelensky and the Saudi Crown Prince reflects ongoing efforts to secure peace in Ukraine amid conflict with Russia. With shifting US policy and ongoing negotiations between Ukrainian and US officials, there’s cautious optimism for a minerals deal that could strengthen US support for Ukraine. However, the overall military climate remains tense, underscoring the urgency for concrete steps toward a resolution.
Original Source: www.indailysa.com.au
