Ukraine will not participate in US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, as per Mykhailo Podolyak. The discussions will focus on ceasefire negotiations between the US and Russia, with the possibility of future involvement from Ukraine contingent on subsequent communications between Trump and Zelenskyy.
The Ukrainian Presidential Office announced that Ukraine will not take part in the scheduled US-Russia talks on March 23 in Saudi Arabia, as conveyed by Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the President. Podolyak clarified that the discussions will be exclusive to the United States and Russia, and therefore Ukraine has no intention of joining the negotiations at this stage.
Podolyak indicated the importance of awaiting the outcome of a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which could influence future discussions involving Ukraine. He stated, “The president wants to understand the contents of this call fully from Trump. The main thing is to understand how Trump sees the results of his call with Putin, and to draw conclusions from that.”
Recalling the emotional prior meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, Podolyak remarked on the built-up contradictions that were relevant to the forthcoming Saudi talks. He emphasized that various forms of communication had been established, suggesting a continuing dialogue amid complex relations between the nations involved.
The US and Russia are set to recommence ceasefire negotiations concerning Ukraine, with the meeting planned to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz confirmed that he and Russian counterpart Yuri Ushakov agreed upon these talks focusing on “expanding the partial ceasefire” that Trump obtained from Russia.
In the preceding days, discussions between Putin and Trump addressed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, yet the Russian leader declined a complete ceasefire proposal, maintaining stringent conditions. Nevertheless, there are reports that Putin consented to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Concurrently, on March 19, Zelenskyy and Trump are expected to discuss Trump’s recent interactions with Putin, marking their first dialogue since their earlier falling out.
In summary, Ukraine’s abstention from the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia highlights its current stance on bilateral negotiations among superpowers. The outcomes of Trump’s discussions with Zelenskyy may pave the way for Ukraine’s future involvement in ongoing diplomatic efforts. The US and Russia continue their efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, which remains crucial amid the complex geopolitical context surrounding the conflict in Ukraine.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
