US and Ukraine Move Towards Ceasefire Negotiations with Russia
The Trump administration believes Ukraine is ready to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia. Key US officials, Rubio and Waltz, are set for talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian leaders. President Trump is pressuring Zelensky for concessions while seeking security guarantees for Ukraine. Recent tensions have complicated US-Ukraine relations, but both sides aim to discuss frameworks for peace and potential mineral deals.
The Trump administration perceives that Ukraine’s leadership is “ready to move forward” on the demand for a ceasefire with Russia, according to a senior US State Department official. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are set to engage in discussions with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia. President Trump has increased pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to comply with demands for a swift ceasefire without promising immediate US security guarantees.
The ongoing conflict began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, resulting in Moscow controlling approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. The State Department official anonymously noted that the presence of senior US officials indicates Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate. Although Zelensky will be visiting Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he is not expected to formally participate in the US talks.
Zelensky is represented by key officials, including his Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and the country’s national security adviser. In a recent address, he expressed hope for progress in achieving peace and securing ongoing support. US pressure is prompting Zelensky to consider concessions, despite his call for firm security guarantees in light of past violations of ceasefire agreements by Putin.
The US response to Russia’s demands remains undisclosed. After the contentious meeting at the White House, Zelensky sought to mend relations with the US, the primary military supplier to Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy stated the president received a letter from Zelensky, which included an expression of “apology” and “gratitude.”
In Saudi Arabia, the US team aims to establish a “framework” for peace to resolve the conflict. Negotiations surrounding a significant minerals deal, which had stalled due to earlier tensions, may also be addressed. Ukraine has proposed granting the US access to its rare earth mineral reserves in return for US security assurances. The White House confrontation previously led to a halt in military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine; however, Trump suggested they are reconsidering this pause if Ukraine demonstrates seriousness in negotiations.
The discussions between US officials and Ukraine signify a potential shift towards negotiations for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The US is pressing Ukraine for concessions while balancing the need for security guarantees. Key Ukrainian officials are involved in the upcoming talks, aiming to establish a framework for peace. Nonetheless, the relationship between the US and Ukraine remains complex, particularly following recent tensions at the White House.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
