U.S. officials are set to meet Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the Ukraine conflict. Secretary of State Marco Rubio downplayed immediate breakthroughs, while President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Ukrainian input in negotiations. Key issues include U.S. military support for Ukraine and the ongoing territorial control by Russia.
Top U.S. officials are set to engage in discussions with Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia about ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that immediate breakthroughs are unlikely, stating, “A process towards peace is not a one-meeting thing.”
Following a recent phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that initiated peace negotiations, Rubio expressed hopefulness for future talks, yet acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the participants from Moscow. He noted the need for a comprehensive dialogue concerning Ukraine and the cessation of hostilities.
As preparations unfold in Riyadh, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz travel to the talks, with a Ukrainian minister confirming their delegation’s arrival for potential negotiations involving President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, the strategy for these discussions remains ambiguous at this stage.
Zelenskyy voiced his discontent with decisions being shaped without Ukrainian input during an interview, asserting, “I will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine. Never. The war in Ukraine is against us, and it is our human losses.”
He accused Putin of dishonesty regarding peace aspirations in a recent call with Trump, insisting on the Kremlin leader’s lack of interest in a peaceful resolution. Zelenskyy stressed the critical importance of U.S. military support, stating that without it, Ukraine’s chances of overcoming the Russian threat would significantly diminish.
Currently, Russia occupies approximately 20% of Ukraine’s recognized territory, a situation exacerbated by the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict since the invasion in February 2022.
In summary, while U.S. diplomatic efforts continue toward peace talks regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, both Secretary Rubio and President Zelenskyy emphasize the complexities and challenges involved. The likelihood of swift solutions appears low, with ongoing concerns surrounding military support and the integrity of negotiations. Both leaders stress the importance of Ukrainian involvement in discussions about its future.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
