US and Ukraine to Resume Diplomatic Talks Next Week in Saudi Arabia

Diplomats from the US and Ukraine are set to resume talks next week in Saudi Arabia following tensions between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff noted that these discussions aim to establish a ceasefire with Russia. Key US officials, along with Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, will participate in the discussions, as the Trump administration has suspended military aid to Ukraine after recent disputes.

Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Ukraine are set to resume next week, following a tense exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced that discussions will likely occur in Saudi Arabia.

Witkoff emphasized that President Zelenskyy has reached out to President Trump via a letter, which Trump viewed as a positive initiative towards mending relations. The primary objective of these talks is to establish a ceasefire with Russia and frame a potential peace agreement.

Reports indicate that Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are expected to participate in the talks, alongside Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Zelenskyy is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with the crown prince and will lead his team in subsequent discussions with the US delegation.

The Trump administration has temporarily suspended military aid to Ukraine following the recent fallout with President Zelenskyy, which also includes a halt in intelligence sharing by CIA officials with Ukrainian leaders, further complicating the relationship.

This upcoming dialogue highlights the ongoing efforts to restore US-Ukraine relations after recent tensions. With key US officials attending, the discussions aim to address ceasing hostilities with Russia and potentially negotiating a peace settlement. The suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing emphasizes the critical nature of these talks, as both nations seek to reaffirm their diplomatic ties.

Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp