Zelensky Engages Saudi Arabia to Boost Ukraine Peace Efforts Amid…

President Zelensky’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince signals renewed hopes for peace talks regarding Ukraine. The U.S. is altering its approach, engaging with Russia while ceasing military aid. Upcoming discussions could clarify Ukraine’s readiness to make concessions, established against the backdrop of renewed Russian military aggression.

President Volodymyr Zelensky met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah to discuss efforts to conclude peace talks before impending discussions involving Ukrainian and U.S. officials. The Saudi crown prince expressed the kingdom’s commitment to international peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

The U.S. has shifted its policy regarding Ukraine, engaging directly with Moscow while ceasing military support and intelligence sharing following the Russian invasion in 2022. Ukraine is advocating for ‘pragmatic’ relations after a challenging meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump last month.

The talks between U.S. and Ukrainian officials mark the first formal discussions following Zelensky’s unsuccessful White House visit. Steve Witkoff, a U.S. envoy, expressed optimism about achieving significant progress in negotiations. However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the need for further arrangements regarding the minerals deal, indicating that a successful conversation does not necessarily require a formal agreement.

Zelensky opted not to attend the U.S. discussions, sending senior officials instead. He emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to explore viable solutions, stating that “realistic proposals are on the table,” and stressed the urgency of the discussions.

U.S. officials aim to evaluate Ukraine’s inclination toward making concessions necessary for peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed hopes that the talks might lead to the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence support to Ukraine.

As these discussions were underway, Russia intensified its military strikes against Ukrainian cities, further complicating the peace process. Meanwhile, Zelensky has proposed a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange as gestures of goodwill, although Russia has dismissed these proposals as tactics to delay its military operations.

Zelensky’s administration indicates readiness to finalize a minerals deal with the U.S., which is vital for sustaining American support. Concurrently, Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region face threats from Russian advances, yet senior military officials maintain that encirclement is not imminent despite increasing pressure from enemy forces associated with North Korea.

President Zelensky’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman represents a pivotal moment in peace negotiations centered around the conflict in Ukraine. The shift in U.S. policy, coupled with ongoing Russian military aggression, complicates the path forward. Ongoing talks aim to secure concessions and facilitate a minerals deal, emphasizing Ukraine’s need for international support as it navigates the pressures of war.

Original Source: www.indailyqld.com.au