Hope for Peace Talks as Zelensky Meets Saudi Crown Prince

President Zelensky’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Salman precedes crucial US-Ukrainian talks aimed at resolving the conflict with Russia. The discussions signal a shift in US policy, and underscore Ukraine’s commitment to peace despite challenges. Zelensky’s delegation will negotiate potential concessions, while external threats persist amid military actions by Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelensky engaged with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, coinciding with imminent discussions between Ukrainian and US officials aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Crown Prince reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to support international endeavors to find a peaceful resolution to the situation in Ukraine, as reported by the Saudi state news agency, SPA.

The United States, a key ally of Ukraine, has shifted its tactics regarding the conflict, seeking a swift conclusion through direct engagement with Moscow while suspending military support and intelligence sharing since the Russian incursion in 2022. Ukraine’s approach has evolved to emphasize pragmatic relations following a challenging meeting between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump last month.

The talks scheduled for Tuesday mark the first official discussions since the aforementioned meeting at the White House. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, expressed optimism regarding the prospects for tangible advancements during this session, stating, “I think that we’re going over there with an expectation that we’re going to make substantial progress.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged caution, indicating that while substantive discussions are likely, a formal agreement may not materialize immediately. He emphasized assessing Kyiv’s willingness to compromise for peace, underscoring that success does not solely hinge on a formal signature.

Facing pressure from Trump, Zelensky is keen to demonstrate Kyiv’s readiness to expedite the peace process, despite not securing essential security assurances from the United States. Although Zelensky will not attend the upcoming talks, a delegation comprising his chief of staff, foreign ministers, and defense officials will represent Ukraine.

Zelensky articulated Ukraine’s commitment to constructive dialogue, stating, “On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps.” He also suggested that the proposals on the table are realistic and should be acted upon swiftly.

US officials intend to gauge Ukraine’s readiness for material concessions to facilitate peace. One official remarked on the necessity of a commitment to a realistic peace, signaling that there is interest in gauging Ukraine’s position. Concurrently, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated hopes for the United States to resume military aid and intelligence support following the conversations.

Prior to the discussions, Russia conducted airstrikes targeting Kyiv and other regions, with warnings about potential missile threats. Witkoff, the organizer of the talks, aims to establish a framework for a peace agreement and a preliminary ceasefire, while Zelensky called for a truce and a prisoner exchange to test Russia’s commitment to peace.

Despite proposals for a temporary truce from various nations, including Britain and France, Moscow dismissed the idea, declaring it a tactic aimed at delaying its military strategy. Zelensky has indicated readiness to finalize a minerals deal with the US to create a joint fund aimed at generating continued support from Washington.

Currently, Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region face increasing pressure from Russian troops, compounded by the involvement of North Korean forces. Despite this, General Oleksandr Syrskyi has claimed that his troops are not in danger of encirclement.

In related affairs, the Russian Embassy in Australia has issued a stern warning against any Australian military intervention, characterizing foreign troops in Ukraine as wholly unacceptable. Their statement characterized any such deployment as an undermining of peace efforts, reiterating that this should serve as a warning rather than a threat.

The meeting between President Zelensky and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflects ongoing international efforts to seek a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As talks unfold, the United States aims to reposition its strategy, assessing Ukraine’s concessions while navigating Russian military pressures. The stakes remain high as peace dialogue evolves, illustrating the complexities and challenges involved in establishing lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: www.indailysa.com.au