Ukraine is set to present the United States on Tuesday with a plan for a partial ceasefire with Russia, aiming to restore crucial support from its key benefactor. This move comes after President Donald Trump demanded concessions to end the three-year conflict.
The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia mark the most senior diplomatic engagement since a tense White House meeting on February 28, where Trump publicly criticized Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In response, Zelenskyy wrote a repentant letter to Trump and subsequently traveled to the port city of Jeddah to engage with Saudi leaders.
During his meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's conditions for a lasting peace deal. These include the release of prisoners and the return of children that Kyiv accuses Moscow of abducting. According to a statement from the Ukrainian leader's office, the two leaders "discussed the possible mediation of Saudi Arabia in the release of military and civilian prisoners and the return of deported children."
While Zelenskyy will not personally attend the talks with U.S. officials, his delegation will include his chief of staff, foreign and defense ministers, and a top military official from the presidential administration. Reflecting on the efforts, Zelenskyy stated on X, "On our side, we are fully committed to constructive dialogue, and we hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively."
Since the fallout from Trump's reprimand of Zelenskyy, Washington has suspended military aid to Ukraine, along with intelligence sharing and access to satellite imagery, in an attempt to push Kyiv towards negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by Trump's national security advisor Mike Waltz, expressed hope that the aid suspension could be resolved during Tuesday's talks. Rubio clarified that the United States has not cut off intelligence support for Ukraine's defensive operations.
The strained relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine intensified when Zelenskyy left the White House without signing an agreement demanded by Trump. This agreement would have granted the United States access to much of Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for past weapons supplies. Despite this setback, Zelenskyy has indicated his willingness to sign the agreement, although Rubio mentioned that it would not be the main focus of the upcoming discussions.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
