U.S.-Ukraine Diplomacy: High-Stakes Negotiations in Saudi Arabia

Ukrainian officials are set for crucial talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia, aiming to resume military aid and intelligence sharing that were halted during Trump’s presidency. President Zelenskyy plans to advocate for a ceasefire and express a desire for negotiations with Russia. The discussions follow prior tensions between the two nations, underscoring Ukraine’s strategic shift towards reconciliation with Washington amidst broader international support.

Ukrainian officials are scheduled to engage in significant discussions with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia this week, striving to persuade Washington to reinstate intelligence sharing and military aid that had been suspended under former President Donald Trump’s administration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy aims to present Kyiv’s readiness for rapid negotiations to conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.

As part of their negotiation strategy, Ukrainian officials are proposing a limited ceasefire that would include an armistice concerning long-range drone and missile attacks, as well as military actions in the Black Sea. This approach aims to secure renewed support from the United States amid a backdrop of Ukraine’s recent military withdrawals from territories previously captured in the Kursk region, which highlighted the immediate impacts of the aid suspension. Restoring relations with Washington is paramount for Kyiv, as progress in ceasefire dialogues is viewed as vital to unlocking military and intelligence support.

President Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on Monday for an initial meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by formal negotiations scheduled for Tuesday. The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Andriy Yermak, chief of Zelenskyy’s office, and will include Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in the talks aimed at furthering the administration’s objectives to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The ongoing discussions follow a contentious meeting at the White House on February 28, where disagreements regarding Ukraine’s military strategies led to a significant decline in bilateral relations. Subsequently, Ukrainian officials have shifted to a more conciliatory approach to regain U.S. support. However, Trump’s administration has expressed reluctance to resume military assistance, exemplified by his remarks during a Sunday Fox News broadcast. Although he did not specifically address the Saudi discussions, he hinted at the forthcoming signing of a U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement.

Nonetheless, according to NBC News, such a minerals deal alone may not be adequate for Trump to restore aid. His administration reportedly demands that Ukraine modify its stance on peace negotiations, potentially conceding territory to Russia and making provisions for elections or even Zelenskyy resigning. European allies have voiced their support for Ukraine’s diplomatic initiatives, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noting a deep collaborative effort between Brussels and Kyiv.

A coalition of approximately twenty nations led by the UK and France is purportedly exploring options to sustain support for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, although Trump has not yet committed to such an initiative. As part of this initiative, Ukraine has presented a phased ceasefire proposal focusing on halting combat operations targeting aerial and naval forces, as well as civilian and energy infrastructure. The progression of the plan envisions prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Nonetheless, skepticism persists in Moscow, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova remarking that any form of ceasefire without a definitive resolution is unacceptable.

The upcoming U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia are critical as Ukrainian officials seek to restore military and intelligence assistance from the United States, following an aid suspension by the Trump administration. President Zelenskyy aims to negotiate a ceasefire, demonstrating Kyiv’s commitment to ending hostilities with Russia while gaining international support. However, uncertainties remain regarding U.S. conditions and Moscow’s stance on proposed ceasefire initiatives.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com