Ukraine Aims for Partial Ceasefire and Military Support in U.S. Talks

Ukraine is proposing a partial ceasefire in talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia, aimed at revitalizing military and intelligence support. The discussions include long-range strikes against Russia and military operations in the Black Sea. However, U.S. officials expect concessions from Ukraine, potentially impacting the negotiation outcomes.

Ukraine is set to propose a partial ceasefire during an upcoming meeting with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. The focus will be on convincing the U.S. to reinstate military and intelligence support while demonstrating the commitment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the conflict swiftly with Russia. This move is aimed at revitalizing the partnership with the U.S. amid ongoing wartime challenges.

Sources from The Financial Times indicate that Ukraine’s proposal includes a focus on long-range strikes against Russia and military actions in the Black Sea. The intention behind this proposition is to encourage Washington to reverse its recent pause on intelligence sharing and arms supplies to Ukraine. A Ukrainian official highlighted that establishing a strong relationship with the U.S. is a short-term priority for Kyiv.

European officials noted that Ukraine perceives any advancement in ceasefire discussions as a reciprocal condition for the restoration of military and intelligence aid from the U.S. Furthermore, a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet in Jeddah to discuss strategies aimed at progressing towards the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In earlier discussions, President Zelenskyy expressed his intention to create a comprehensive agreement with the U.S. that would initiate further negotiations on security and resources. This agreement would encompass a halt to airstrikes, naval engagements, and attacks on civilian infrastructure, as well as provisions for prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken by Russian authorities.

However, U.S. officials, as reported by NBC News, have indicated that Zelenskyy’s proposed minerals agreement alone may not suffice to secure the resumption of U.S. aid. Key figures, including Trump, are reportedly demanding concession moves from Ukraine, including territorial agreements with Russia and potential adjustments to Ukraine’s electoral framework. Reports also suggest that the forthcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia aims to assess Ukraine’s capacity for making substantial concessions to facilitate the end of the conflict.

The upcoming talks between Ukraine and the U.S. in Saudi Arabia aim to establish a partial ceasefire and reinforce military ties. Ukraine seeks to inspire confidence in U.S. support, contingent upon demonstrating readiness for compromise regarding the ongoing war with Russia. With a broader agreement suggested by Zelenskyy, the negotiation dynamics might shift, but key hurdles remain unresolved, particularly concerning territorial concessions and aid resumption from the U.S.

Original Source: www.pravda.com.ua