The Trump administration reports that Ukraine is ready to progress on a ceasefire with Russia. Upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia involve US officials and Ukrainian leadership. President Trump is emphasizing the need for Ukraine to accept certain conditions while negotiating security guarantees. Tensions have affected US military aid, but discussions on a minerals deal and intelligence sharing are on the agenda.
The Trump administration has indicated that Ukrainian leadership is prepared to advance on the United States’ demand for a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. A senior official from the US State Department conveyed this sentiment as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz prepare for talks with their Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. President Trump has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a ceasefire without a direct US security guarantee.
In the background, a significant conflict persists, arising from Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine initiated in February 2022, leading to Russia’s control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. A State Department official commented on the senior-level discussions, suggesting Ukraine’s readiness to engage in negotiations. Although Zelensky will be in Saudi Arabia, he is not expected to have a formal role in the US talks, which will include his chief of staff, the national security adviser, and the foreign and defense ministers.
In a recent video address, Zelensky expressed hope for positive outcomes that could facilitate peace and ongoing support. He acknowledged the pressure from the US to yield on certain terms prior to the peace talks while emphasizing the need for solid security guarantees for Ukraine, given past violations of ceasefire agreements by Russia. The US’s demands directed towards Moscow have not been openly addressed.
Following a public disagreement with Trump, which resulted in a pause in US military aid and intelligence sharing, Zelensky sought to mend ties with the United States, which is its primary military supporter. Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that Trump received a note from Zelensky expressing regret and gratitude. In Saudi Arabia, the US delegation aims to establish a peace framework to potentially resolve the ongoing war while discussing a minerals deal.
Ukraine has proposed granting the US access to its rare earth mineral resources in exchange for security guarantees. Trump hinted that the pause on intelligence sharing might soon be lifted, aiming to incentivize Ukraine’s commitment to substantive negotiations, though he withheld specific details. Just prior to tensions at the White House, Rubio had spoken with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, following Trump’s earlier controversial phone call with Putin.
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions between the United States and Ukraine indicate a move towards a potential ceasefire with Russian forces. President Trump has exerted pressure on President Zelensky to concede certain demands, while the need for security guarantees for Ukraine remains critical amid the complex dynamics of past ceasefire violations. The forthcoming talks in Saudi Arabia aim to establish a framework for peace and renew discussions on resource agreements. Overall, this situation underscores the intricate balance of diplomacy and military support involved in resolving the conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
