The US Trump administration believes Ukraine is ready to move forward on ceasefire discussions with Russia, as evidenced by high-level talks planned in Saudi Arabia. President Trump has increased pressure on Ukraine’s Zelensky to accept terms for a quick ceasefire without solid security guarantees. Meanwhile, Zelensky seeks security assurances amid ongoing tensions and the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Trump administration perceives that Ukraine’s leadership is prepared to advance on the US demand for a ceasefire with Russia, according to a senior official from the US State Department. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are scheduled to meet their Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss this pressing matter.
President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to comply with his requests for a swift ceasefire, although he has not provided any immediate assurances regarding US security commitments. Their previous public disagreement at the White House had highlighted Trump’s assertion that Zelensky was unwilling to end the hostilities.
Since Russia commenced its comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has occupied approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. The State Department official noted that the visit of high-ranking US diplomats indicates Ukraine’s willingness to engage in talks. Zelensky, while present in Saudi Arabia, is not anticipated to partake formally in discussions with the US.
The Ukrainian delegation will consist of Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, alongside the national security adviser and the foreign and defense ministers. In a recent video address, Zelensky expressed hopes for progress towards peace and continued support from the US. He faces substantial pressure to concede certain terms before engaging in peace negotiations, all while insisting on firm security guarantees.
Despite the emphasis on Ukrainian concessions, the US has not publicly detailed its demands on Moscow for any reciprocation. Following the contentious exchange in Washington, Zelensky expressed remorse for the incident, seeking to mend US relations as it remains Ukraine’s primary military ally. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that Zelensky had sent a letter of apology following the White House disagreement.
During the discussions in Saudi Arabia, the US delegation aims to establish a foundational framework for peace to resolve the ongoing conflict. Additionally, a significant minerals agreement, previously affected by diplomatic tensions, is reportedly back on the agenda in the talks. Ukraine has proposed offering access to its valuable rare earth minerals in return for security assurances from the US.
The friction at the White House previously led to the US suspending military aid to Ukraine and halting intelligence sharing. When queried about the potential resumption of intelligence aid, Trump stated: “We just about have. I mean, we really just about have and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done,” although he refrained from providing further specifics.
In summary, the US administration believes that Ukraine is willing to move forward with a ceasefire discussion, as evidenced by upcoming diplomatic engagements in Saudi Arabia. President Trump is advocating for a swift resolution while imposing pressures on Ukraine for concessions without immediate guarantees of security. A significant minerals negotiation also remains pertinent in the context of ongoing peace talks. Ultimately, the success of these discussions may hinge on the reciprocal concessions by both Russia and Ukraine.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
