President Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss support for Ukraine ahead of talks with US officials aimed at ending the conflict with Russia. The UAE’s backing and the US’s shift in policy highlight the tension and urgency of the situation, while Zelensky’s delegation prepares for discussions on potential concessions and a minerals deal.
President Volodymyr Zelensky recently engaged in a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, one day prior to discussions between Ukrainian and US officials aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Saudi Crown Prince reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to supporting international efforts to alleviate the crisis in Ukraine.
The United States has seemingly altered its approach towards the conflict, emphasizing a swift resolution while simultaneously engaging directly with Russia. This shift has led to a cessation in military assistance and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, a critical measure since the invasion in 2022.
Amid these dynamics, Zelensky is advocating for more pragmatic relationships following the challenging encounter with US President Donald Trump. The ensuing discussions between US and Ukrainian officials mark the first official engagement since that meeting. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism for substantial advancements during the upcoming talks.
Nevertheless, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio adopted a more prudent perspective, highlighting the complexities in negotiating the minerals deal and the significance of understanding Kyiv’s readiness for concessions toward peace. He acknowledged that the discussions could yield successful outcomes even in the absence of a signed accord.
Zelensky has indicated that he will not participate directly in the talks, delegating representation to senior officials including his chief of staff, and foreign and defense ministers. In a post on social media, he conveyed, “On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue… The key is to move quickly and effectively.”
US officials are reportedly keen to ascertain the extent of Ukraine’s willingness to consider concessions to Russia for peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed hope that these talks would reinstate US aid and intelligence support for Ukraine. Rubio noted that Ukrainian forces currently receive all necessary defensive intelligence.
In summary, President Zelensky’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman represents a pivotal moment ahead of US-Ukrainian talks aimed at addressing the conflict with Russia. While optimism prevails regarding the potential for significant progress, concerns regarding Ukraine’s approach to concessions and US support remain. The complexity of the situation is compounded by military actions from Russia, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to foster peace.
Original Source: www.indailyqld.com.au
