US to Meet Ukraine Before Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia
The US technical team plans to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia before negotiations with Russia. A follow-up meeting may occur if progress is achieved. Key officials like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will not attend. The meeting is deemed technical, with no direct Russian contact planned.
A US technical team is set to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, ahead of negotiations with Russian representatives scheduled for Monday. A follow-up meeting may occur if progress is made during the discussions with Russia. This information comes from CBS News White House correspondent Jennifer Jacobs, who cites sources within the US administration.
The US team will include officials but notably excludes Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz from attending these negotiations. The goal of this meeting is to ensure effective communication with Ukraine prior to the Russian discussions while continuing the previous administration’s shuttle diplomacy strategies.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed an upcoming meeting with the US team set for Monday, stating that Saudi Arabia was chosen for its neutral ground. According to MFA spokesman Tykhyi, this meeting will be strictly technical, with no planned contacts with Russian officials.
US Special Representative for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, indicated that these negotiations aim to clarify the positions of both Ukraine and Russia regarding an end to hostilities. Zelenskyy assured that the Ukrainian team will be led by highly qualified professionals, including Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The upcoming meetings in Saudi Arabia mark a significant step in the US’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to mediate the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. By engaging in technical discussions with Ukraine prior to Russian negotiations, the US aims to strengthen its position and facilitate a potentially constructive dialogue. The presence of experienced officials on the Ukrainian side further underscores the seriousness of these negotiations, marking a vital moment in the efforts for peace.
Original Source: unn.ua
