Ukraine’s Proposal for Partial Ceasefire and US Support in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine intends to propose a partial ceasefire during discussions with the US in Saudi Arabia, aiming to restore military and intelligence support. The ceasefire plan includes long-range strikes on Russian forces and operations in the Black Sea. Progress in talks is viewed as essential for the resumption of US assistance, particularly amidst concerns regarding territorial concessions.

Ukraine is poised to propose a partial ceasefire during upcoming meetings with the United States in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to persuade the US to restore military and intelligence support while demonstrating President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s commitment to swiftly concluding the conflict with Russia.

Sources from The Financial Times indicate that the Ukrainian delegation will suggest a ceasefire that encompasses long-range strikes on Russia and military operations in the Black Sea. Kyiv believes that advancements in these discussions may influence Washington to lift the suspension on intelligence sharing and military supplies.

A Ukrainian official emphasized that strengthening ties with the US is a priority in the near term. Concurrently, two European officials noted that Ukraine perceives progress in ceasefire negotiations as a reciprocal arrangement for the resumption of military and intelligence assistance from the US.

A spokesperson for the US Department of State revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from Monday to Wednesday to engage in talks aimed at furthering President Biden’s objective of resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

On March 6, President Zelenskyy conveyed to EU leaders his desire for a comprehensive framework agreement with the US to facilitate subsequent detailed agreements concerning mineral resources and security guarantees. This agreement is to begin with a halt to airstrikes, naval operations, and assaults on civilian infrastructure, alongside proposals for prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.

Reports from NBC News on March 9 indicated skepticism from US officials regarding whether a minerals agreement would suffice for resuming aid and intelligence sharing. It was further highlighted that former President Trump is seeking concessions from Zelenskyy, including territorial negotiations and political reforms in Ukraine, such as upcoming elections or possibly his resignation.

Reuters has confirmed that US officials intend to utilize the meeting scheduled for March 11 with the Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia to evaluate Kyiv’s willingness to make substantive concessions to Russia to facilitate an end to the conflict.

The proposed partial ceasefire by Ukraine is a strategic attempt to rekindle military and intelligence support from the US, reflecting President Zelenskyy’s commitment to ending the war expeditiously. Progress in these negotiations may significantly influence future US assistance, amid broader discussions on territorial and political concessions from Ukraine. The meetings in Saudi Arabia are pivotal for assessing Ukraine’s readiness to make necessary compromises to facilitate peace with Russia.

Original Source: www.pravda.com.ua