U.S. Signals Ukraine Preparedness for Ceasefire Talks with Russia

The U.S. believes Ukraine’s leadership is prepared to advance ceasefire discussions with Russia. President Trump is urging swift negotiations while emphasizing the need for security guarantees for Ukraine. The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia involve high-level officials from both nations, aiming to frame a potential peace resolution amidst ongoing conflict.

The United States government, through a senior State Department official, believes that Ukraine’s leadership is prepared to advance discussions on a ceasefire with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are expected to engage in talks with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. This meeting comes amidst increasing pressure from President Donald Trump on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to accept a swift ceasefire without immediate U.S. security guarantees.

Tensions have been evident, as Trump and Zelensky previously clashed publicly when Trump suggested that Zelensky was not prepared to conclude hostilities. Since February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion has resulted in Moscow controlling roughly 20% of Ukraine. The U.S. official expressed optimism about the upcoming talks, stating, “The fact that they’re coming here at senior levels is a good indication to us that they want to sit down and they’re ready to move forward.”

While Zelensky will be present in Saudi Arabia for meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he is not anticipated to have a formal role in the discussions with U.S. officials. Representing Ukraine will be Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, along with the national security adviser and foreign and defense ministers. Zelensky expressed hope for positive outcomes in his recent video address, stating, “We hope for results – both in bringing peace closer and in continuing support.”

Zelensky faces significant pressure from the U.S. to make concessions prior to any peace negotiations, concurrently insisting on robust security assurances for Kyiv due to past violations of ceasefire agreements by Putin. Despite the U.S. demanding concessions from Russia, these pressures have not been publicly disclosed. After their White House disagreement, Zelensky expressed regret and attempted to mend relations with the U.S., the foremost military supporter of Ukraine.

Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Trump, confirmed that Zelensky had sent a letter containing an apology and gratitude. In Saudi Arabia, U.S. officials are also keen to discuss a peace framework to resolve the ongoing conflict. Additionally, a significant minerals deal that had been affected by the discord is now back on the table, exploring U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for security guarantees.

The prior disagreement at the White House led to a pause in military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. When queried about the potential lifting of this intelligence pause, Trump indicated, “Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have…” without providing further specifics. Rubio had previously engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in February, as a follow-up to Trump’s controversial dialogue with Putin.

In summary, the U.S. administration perceives that Ukraine is ready to pursue ceasefire negotiations with Russia, reflecting a potential thaw in relations amidst prior tensions. President Trump has been pressing for swift peace talks, while Ukrainian leaders seek robust security assurances due to previous violations by Russia. The upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia may also address a significant minerals deal alongside the broader peace framework.

Original Source: www.bbc.com