U.S. Officials Head to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine Peace Talks, but Hurdles Remain
U.S. officials are headed to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russian diplomats about ending the Ukraine war. Secretary of State Rubio downplays immediate peace prospects, emphasizing that negotiations require time. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy insists on Ukraine’s involvement in any discussions, expressing doubts about Putin’s intentions. The U.S. continues to support Ukraine militarily amid concerns about future aid.
Top U.S. officials are traveling to Saudi Arabia to meet with Russian diplomats in hopes of fostering discussions to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its third year. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, tempered expectations for a swift resolution, stating, “A process towards peace is not a one-meeting thing,” during an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation.” Rubio indicated the need to assess Putin’s willingness to engage in genuine negotiations.
During the impending talks, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will be present. Ukrainian officials, including those close to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have also arrived to prepare for the negotiations, although the nature of the talks and Russia’s representatives remain uncertain. Rubio expressed hope for a broader dialogue involving Ukraine and the cessation of the conflict.
Trump’s recent phone conversation with Putin took many NATO allies by surprise, including Kyiv. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Ukrainian involvement in any discussions about its future, stating, “There should be no decisions about Ukraine without Ukraine.” He reiterated skepticism about Russia’s intentions, labeling Putin a liar regarding peace efforts, which he communicated directly to Trump during their call.
While the U.S. continues to be a significant supplier of military aid to Ukraine, Trump has at times shown hesitance regarding ongoing support. Zelenskyy conveyed that without substantial U.S. military backing, Ukraine’s chances against Russia would be severely diminished, making survival increasingly challenging. Ukraine currently faces territorial losses, with Russia occupying about 20% of its recognized lands, including Crimea and parts of eastern Ukraine.
In summary, U.S. officials are preparing for discussions aimed at addressing the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio has downplayed expectations for immediate peace, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy insists on being part of any negotiation process. The outcome of the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia remains uncertain, particularly concerning Russia’s willingness to engage in sincere discussions about peace and territorial integrity.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
