Ukraine Engages U.S. in Ceasefire Talks Amid Peacemaking Efforts

Ukraine is set to propose a partial ceasefire plan to U.S. officials in talks in Saudi Arabia. The plan aims to halt long-range missile strikes and include a truce in the Black Sea. Key U.S. officials express a desire to understand Ukrainian concessions while discussing military aid and Ukraine’s mineral resources. The discussions underline the complexities of establishing peace amidst ongoing hostilities.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia, during which Ukraine is anticipated to unveil a partial ceasefire proposal involving Russia, focusing on a cessation of long-range missile strikes and a truce in the Black Sea region. While President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was absent, he was represented by several key officials including Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz spearheaded the U.S. delegation, acting on President Donald Trump’s ambition to expedite the resolution of the ongoing war, which has persisted since Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022. Secretary Rubio emphasized a desire to understand potential concessions Ukraine might be willing to consider.

Rubio articulated, “We are in a listening mode and aim to understand what concessions Ukraine might be willing to make.” He noted that the U.S. does not intend to draw borders on a map in discussions but instead seeks to gauge what concessions could be possible from the Ukrainian side. Rubio asserted the necessity for both nations to confront difficult decisions as there is no military solution to the conflict.

During his visit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman engaged with Rubio in Jeddah and previously with Zelenskyy in Riyadh, underpinning a collaborative regional effort. Additionally, Trump has shown interest in linking military aid to considerations regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources, essential to the U.S. economy and defense.

Rubio clarified that while securing access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits, which include significant reserves of rare earths, nickel, and lithium, is important, it was not the primary focus of the talks at this juncture. He stated, “It’s an important topic, but it’s not the main topic on the agenda.” Furthermore, he acknowledged the constructive involvement of Britain and France in the ongoing discussions, while mentioning that no discussions regarding China’s role in peacekeeping have taken place.

In conclusion, U.S. and Ukrainian officials are engaged in significant talks aiming to establish a partial ceasefire with Russia. The focus primarily lies on understanding possible Ukrainian concessions while also touching on potential mineral agreements that may support U.S. interests. Key officials from both sides are involved in these discussions, highlighting the collaborative international effort to navigate the complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Original Source: www.voanews.com