Ukraine Seeks to Persuade US to Resume Support in High-Stakes Talks
Ukraine is gearing up for crucial talks with the US in Saudi Arabia this week, aiming to convince President Donald Trump that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is committed to ending the war with Russia swiftly. Officials familiar with the negotiations revealed that Kyiv plans to propose a partial ceasefire with Russia for long-range drone and missile strikes, as well as combat operations in the Black Sea. The hope is that progress in the talks will lead the US to reconsider its decision to halt intelligence sharing and military aid.
Following the withdrawal of US support, Ukrainian troops recently relinquished Russian-held territory in the Kursk region. As a result, Ukrainian negotiators are set to travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday, with a renewed focus on repairing ties with the US. European officials suggest that Kyiv views progress in ceasefire discussions as a potential avenue to resume military and intelligence assistance.
According to Ukrainian MP Fedir Venislavskiy, the primary objective of the negotiations in Saudi Arabia will be to secure a reinstatement of aid from the US. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be present in Jeddah for the talks, with a mission to advance President Trump’s agenda of ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In a recent interview on Fox News, President Trump expressed confidence in signing a lucrative minerals deal with Ukraine soon. He defended his tough stance on Russia, despite facing criticism for suspending aid to Ukraine. The pressure from the US has prompted a shift in strategy for Zelenskyy’s administration, following a challenging meeting at the White House on February 28.
Political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko noted that the current priority for Ukraine is to mend relations with the US. Zelenskyy aims to engage in direct negotiations with Russia promptly, as Trump has suggested that Ukraine is not eager for a ceasefire. During a meeting with EU leaders in Brussels, Zelenskyy outlined plans to establish a comprehensive framework agreement with the US, focusing on mineral resources and security assurances.
The proposed deal would entail a cessation of aerial attacks, maritime operations, and strikes on civilian infrastructure, followed by initiatives such as prisoner exchanges and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia, with negotiations set to commence the following day.
Despite ongoing discussions about forming a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine post-ceasefire, President Trump has not committed to backing such an initiative. European officials suggest that the US may play a role in ceasefire verification, potentially through the use of satellites or signals intelligence.
Reports from NBC news indicate that a minerals deal alone may not be sufficient to prompt the resumption of US aid and intelligence sharing. Trump reportedly seeks concessions from Zelenskyy, including territorial compromises and progress towards elections in Ukraine. However, Ukraine remains steadfast in its pursuit of peace, with Zelenskyy emphasizing the urgency of swift and effective action.
As the negotiations unfold in Saudi Arabia, the stakes are high for Ukraine in its efforts to secure US support and navigate a path towards peace with Russia.
Additional reporting by Ben Hall in London
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