Kyiv Ready to Do Everything for Peace Amid US-Ukraine Negotiations

The United States and Ukraine are engaged in crucial talks in Saudi Arabia to find a resolution to the ongoing war with Russia. High-stakes discussions focus on military support, electoral considerations in Ukraine, and the potential for peace negotiations. Key representatives from both sides aim to assess each other’s commitment to achieving peace, following recent tensions between leaders.

Senior officials from the United States and Ukraine have convened in Saudi Arabia for critical discussions aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite the absence of Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, both nations are represented by high-ranking officials; Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, leads the delegation, whereas Trump is represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.

Upon arrival, Yermak asserted Ukraine’s commitment, stating, “We are ready to do everything to achieve peace.” Although Zelenskyy met with the crown prince, he did not participate directly in the talks, which are anticipated to be constructive. Rubio emphasized that the U.S. aims to assess Ukraine’s willingness to undertake challenging decisions equivalent to those expected of Russia to resolve the conflict.

The stakes for Ukraine are substantial, as successful negotiations could result in the resumption of crucial U.S. military support and intelligence sharing. This assistance was halted following a contentious exchange between Trump and Zelenskyy during an Oval Office meeting. Additionally, U.S. officials have pressed for Zelenskyy to consider electoral procedures or even a potential resignation.

Domestically, Zelenskyy’s approval ratings have seen an uptick following the tumultuous encounter in the White House. Many Ukrainians express reluctance for elections to occur amidst ongoing conflict. Despite dissatisfaction with Trump and other foreign figures, there is an urgency for Zelenskyy to reconcile relationships with the United States given the challenging war conditions and general fatigue after three years of fighting.

Before the talks commenced, Yermak acknowledged the importance of strong American leadership while underscoring the necessity for a just and sustainable peace. Trump’s initial interest in Ukraine was centered on a proposal that would permit the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, though the chances of reaching an agreement remain uncertain.

In the wake of U.S. support withdrawal, European nations have rallied to support Ukraine with funding and military aid; however, they too have encouraged Zelenskyy to strengthen ties with the United States. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized the gravity of the discussions taking place in Jeddah, urging all parties involved not to squander this opportunity.

Simultaneously, Russia has noted the diminished support Ukraine has received from its largest ally. Despite a consensus among European nations against the aggressions of Vladimir Putin, Trump has approached the situation with a more conciliatory attitude towards Russia. Major uncertainties include Russia’s readiness for genuine peace negotiations, given the apparent expectations for Kyiv to make significant concessions.

Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged a sense of optimism within Moscow regarding the reduced U.S. support for Ukraine, yet he cautioned against overconfidence. “You always need to hope for the best but still be prepared for the worst,” Peskov remarked, adding that Moscow anticipates that Washington will communicate the proceedings of the talks.

On the battlefield, Russia initiated a new offensive in the Kursk region, regaining approximately 100 square kilometers previously occupied by Ukrainian forces. Kyiv indicated that this maneuver is a bid to strengthen its negotiating position. In the hours leading up to the Jeddah talks, Ukraine conducted its largest drone assault on Moscow to date, targeting key infrastructures and resulting in casualties and disruption. This action was framed as a strategic message to Putin regarding the necessity of seeking a ceasefire.

The ongoing US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia signify a pivotal effort to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. While both nations express readiness for constructive dialogue, the outcome hinges on significant concessions from both sides. The stakes are high for Ukraine, with potential resumption of US support hanging in the balance. Simultaneously, Russia has displayed military maneuvers, indicating its position ahead of any negotiations. Overall, the diplomatic landscape remains complex and fraught with challenges as both nations navigate their futures.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com