U.S. and Ukraine Set to Discuss Ceasefire and Peace in Saudi Arabia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced upcoming talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia, focusing on ending the war with Russia. Scheduled for March 11, these discussions will involve key U.S. officials and aim to establish a ceasefire and peace agreement, despite recent tensions evident in Zelenskyy’s meeting with President Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that discussions between the United States and Ukraine regarding the cessation of hostilities with Russia will occur in Saudi Arabia next week. Zelenskyy will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Monday, followed by diplomatic consultations with U.S. officials later in the week. He expressed his desire for peace, stating, “Ukraine is most interested in peace.”

Negotiations are slated to commence on March 11, as reported by Fox News. U.S. President Donald Trump has also confirmed his forthcoming travels to Saudi Arabia, although he did not disclose a specific date for his visit. Trump suggested a significant financial agreement between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, requiring payment to American companies over four years.

The discussions will include key participants such as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Andriy Yermak, an advisor to President Zelenskyy. Reports indicate that the U.S. delegation might comprise officials previously involved in peace talks with Russian representatives earlier in the year. Expected attendees include Secretary Rubio, Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.

Discussions are anticipated to concentrate on establishing a framework for a potential peace agreement and a preliminary ceasefire, as indicated by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Witkoff remarked on the constructive nature of Zelenskyy’s recent correspondence, noting gratitude for U.S. support. Additionally, the possibility of finalizing an agreement for U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources has been suggested.

Tensions escalated during the recent meeting at the White House between Zelenskyy and Trump, where Vice President JD Vance also participated. At times, the conversation grew heated, leading to claims that Zelenskyy was asked to leave the discussion. Trump defended his diplomatic approach, arguing that alignment with both sides was necessary for negotiations.

The discourse on ceasefire brought further contention, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of hesitance towards peace initiatives, to which Zelenskyy responded by asserting the need for historical consultation on past U.S. policies towards Russia. The meeting ended with Trump expressing doubt about Zelenskyy’s readiness for peace involving American participation.

Overall, the upcoming U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia aim to explore avenues for ceasefire and peace, following a tumultuous diplomatic exchange between the involved leaders.

In summary, the upcoming discussions between Ukraine and the United States are set to focus on establishing a framework for peace and a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia reflects Ukraine’s commitment to peace, despite recent tensions with U.S. officials. Key figures, including Secretary Rubio and U.S. Envoy Witkoff, are expected to participate, which may facilitate progress towards resolving the conflict through constructive dialogue.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com