Ukraine Proposes Ceasefire Plan During U.S. Talks in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, U.S. and Ukrainian officials began talks where Ukraine is expected to propose a ceasefire plan with Russia. Key figures from Ukraine attended, while President Zelenskyy expressed hopes for productive outcomes. U.S. officials seek to clarify possible concessions and resolve aid interruptions. The discussion about Ukraine’s mineral resources is noted but not prioritized, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the negotiations.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials began discussions in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine plans to propose a partial ceasefire with Russia. This proposal includes a suspension of long-range missile strikes and a truce encompassing the Black Sea area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was absent from these meetings, represented instead by key officials such as Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

Before the talks commenced, Zelenskyy expressed on X that Ukraine seeks “practical outcomes” from the discussions. The U.S. delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, with President Trump advocating for an expedited resolution to the ongoing conflict that began in early 2022.

Rubio mentioned the aim to address interruptions in U.S. aid to Ukraine, indicating that the U.S. intends to identify potential concessions Ukraine might make. He expressed that the U.S. is currently in a listening mode, seeking clarity on viable compromises for both parties. He emphasized that there is no military solution to the war, insisting that “both Russia and Ukraine need to do difficult things.”

Additionally, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Rubio in Jeddah. Earlier, he engaged in discussions with Zelenskyy in Riyadh. Former President Trump has suggested linking military aid to access to Ukraine’s raw materials, which include critical minerals significant to the U.S. economy. However, Rubio clarified that the primary aim of the talks was not focused on a minerals deal but rather on broader negotiations.

Rubio indicated that securing an agreement regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources would take time and emphasized that this topic wasn’t a priority in the ongoing discussions. He acknowledged the contributions of Britain and France during the talks, while noting that no discussions had occurred regarding a role for China in post-war peacekeeping within Ukraine. This visit is Rubio’s second since taking office, with plans to visit Canada for subsequent meetings with G7 foreign ministers.

The discussions in Saudi Arabia mark a significant step towards a potential ceasefire negotiation between Ukraine and Russia. Key Ukrainian officials participated in talks aimed at outlining a comprehensive peace plan, with U.S. officials emphasizing a listening approach to identify possible concessions. However, the immediate focus remains on resolving U.S. aid disputes and discussing future relationships concerning Ukraine’s mineral resources without prioritizing a deal on them. Overall, the path to peace appears complex, requiring compromise from both Ukraine and Russia.

Original Source: www.voanews.com