US and Ukrainian officials will engage in talks in Saudi Arabia to assess Ukraine’s peace negotiations with Russia, following tensions during Zelensky’s previous visit to the White House. The US aims to determine Ukraine’s readiness to make concessions and improve diplomatic relations.
Saudi Arabia is set to host crucial discussions between US and Ukrainian officials following President Volodymyr Zelensky’s controversial visit to the White House last month. This meeting aims to evaluate Ukraine’s willingness to consider concessions to Russia in pursuit of peace, as noted by two US officials.
The US delegation will be vigilant for indications that Ukraine is committed to enhancing relations with the Trump administration after recent tensions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Jeddah for these discussions, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Ukrainian officials will be led by Andriy Yermak, a key aide to President Zelensky.
A US official remarked, “You can’t say ‘I want peace,’ and, ‘I refuse to compromise on anything’,” highlighting the complexity of achieving a resolution. The outcome of these talks may significantly influence future diplomatic efforts.
In conclusion, the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia present a pivotal opportunity for the US to assess Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate peace with Russia. The high-level meeting, involving key officials from both nations, seeks to address prior tensions and explore pathways to strengthen diplomatic relations, emphasizing the necessity of compromise in the pursuit of peace.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
