Ukrainian officials will meet U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia to push for resuming intelligence sharing and military aid. President Zelenskyy aims to present Kyiv’s readiness for negotiations to end the war with Russia, proposing a ceasefire plan. These discussions follow Ukraine’s military withdrawal and reflect a reassessment of diplomatic strategies to regain U.S. support.
Ukrainian officials will engage in critical discussions with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week, aiming to persuade Washington to resume intelligence-sharing and military aid previously suspended by former President Donald Trump. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to communicate that Kyiv is ready for expedited negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia, as reported by the Financial Times.
The Ukrainian delegation is reportedly proposing a partial ceasefire that would encompass long-range drone and missile strikes as well as combat operations in the Black Sea, aiming to secure renewed U.S. support. The talks follow Ukraine’s military withdrawal from seized territories in the Kursk region, reflecting the tangible consequences of U.S. aid suspension. Forging stronger ties with Washington remains a priority for Kyiv, as officials view advancements in ceasefire negotiations as integral to obtaining military and intelligence assistance.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, ahead of the formal discussions commencing on Tuesday. Leading Ukraine’s delegation will be Andriy Yermak, head of Zelenskyy’s office, accompanied by Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate in the talks in Jeddah from Monday to Wednesday, with instructions to further the President’s objective of concluding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The negotiations follow a challenging meeting on February 28 at the White House, during which differing strategies regarding Ukraine’s war efforts led to a significant decline in relations between Trump and Zelenskyy. Ukrainian officials have since adjusted their tactics, adopting a more conciliatory approach to regain U.S. support for their initiatives.
Trump has shown hesitation regarding military support reintegration for Ukraine. Although he did not specifically mention the Saudi discussions in a recent Fox News interview, he expressed optimism about an impending U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement. However, NBC News indicated that a minerals arrangement alone would not be adequate to rejuvenate aid. The administration also insists that Ukraine should modify its stance on peace negotiations, potentially including territorial concessions and moves towards elections— or even Zelenskyy’s resignation.
European allies have expressed backing for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen affirming that Brussels and Kyiv are collaborating closely. A coalition comprising approximately 20 nations, spearheaded by the UK and France, has purportedly discussed strategies to uphold Ukraine’s support in the event of a ceasefire, though Trump has not yet pledged his endorsement for such a plan.
To secure U.S. assistance, Ukraine has outlined a phased ceasefire framework. This initiative entails an initial cessation of aerial assaults and naval operations, alongside terminating strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure. Following this, the plan would advance towards prisoner exchanges and efforts to retrieve Ukrainian children unlawfully taken to Russia. Nonetheless, despite Ukraine’s push for diplomatic advancements, Moscow remains doubtful, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova characterizing Ukraine’s recent proposals as unacceptable without a conclusive settlement.
In summary, the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia exemplify Ukraine’s efforts to rekindle intelligence-sharing and military assistance from the United States, amid an ongoing conflict with Russia. President Zelenskyy’s proposed ceasefire initiatives aim to secure U.S support, while European allies show alignment with Ukraine’s diplomatic pursuits. However, obstacles remain, particularly regarding Trump’s conditions for renewed aid and Russia’s skepticism towards a ceasefire framework. As negotiations unfold, the international community will closely observe their implications for Ukraine’s strategic alignment and the overall trajectory of the conflict.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
