Ukraine Declines Participation in US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia

Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to Ukraine’s Presidential Office, announced that Ukraine will not attend the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia on March 23. The decision depends on the outcomes of a conversation between US President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. Upcoming negotiations will address a ceasefire in Ukraine, although Russia has set challenging conditions.

Ukraine has announced its decision not to partake in the forthcoming US-Russia discussions set to occur on March 23 in Saudi Arabia, as articulated by Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office. “The talks scheduled for Sunday are intended to be bilateral between the US and Russia; hence, Ukraine does not plan to be involved at this time,” stated Podolyak.

Podolyak emphasized the necessity of awaiting the outcome of the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He noted that the conclusion of this dialogue will potentially clarify future possibilities for Ukraine’s involvement in negotiations.

The adviser remarked, “The president wants to understand the contents of this call fully from Trump. The main thing is to understand how Trump sees the results of his call with Putin, and to draw conclusions from that.” He also reflected on the prior meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, describing it as emotional and indicative of underlying tensions.

With the announcement of renewed negotiations between the US and Russia regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine, it was noted by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz that a meeting would transpire in Saudi Arabia. Waltz confirmed his agreement with his Russian counterpart Yuri Ushakov to tackle the expansion of the partial ceasefire that Trump achieved with Russia.

Moreover, President Putin has shown reluctance to accept a full ceasefire, imposing unrealistic conditions for such an agreement. However, he has reportedly consented to halt assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Following up, a significant phone call took place between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump on March 19, where they are expected to discuss Trump’s earlier communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In conclusion, Ukraine has declined participation in the upcoming US-Russia talks scheduled in Saudi Arabia, as affirmed by Mykhailo Podolyak. This decision hinges on the anticipated dialogue results between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. The overarching aim is to clarify Ukraine’s potential role in future negotiations while also addressing the recent developments concerning the US-Russia ceasefire discussions.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua