Ukraine and U.S. Initiate Constructive Peace Talks Amid Drone Attacks
Ukraine’s latest U.S. talks show a constructive start as discussions focus on peace initiatives and security guarantees amid ongoing conflicts. The meeting aims to address the need for U.S. military support while navigating Ucrain’s territorial challenges in light of Russia’s recent drone attacks.
A recent round of talks between Ukraine and the United States commenced positively in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reported the discussions started constructively, providing relief after a previous contentious meeting between the two leaders. The Ukrainian delegation, although not including President Zelensky, met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, both of whom had previously engaged in talks with Russia.
During the meeting, which lasted over four hours, Rubio and Waltz were present while Yermak emphasized the importance of establishing a just and lasting peace. Waltz described the process as “getting there,” while Rubio expressed a desire for further details on Ukraine’s stance and potential concessions. Yermak refrained from outlining specific compromises but highlighted the necessity of U.S. security guarantees to prevent future Russian aggression.
Security guarantees are a crucial issue between the U.S. and Ukraine, with Kyiv insisting that any peace agreement must include Western support to deter Russia’s noncompliance with agreements. While allies mostly support Ukraine’s call for guarantees, the Trump administration has yet to commit to these assurances. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen underscored the urgent requirement for military supplies and robust security measures for Ukraine, asserting that Putin cannot be trusted.
As discussions progressed, Yermak prioritized initiating the peace process rather than focusing on security guarantees. He expressed a willingness to engage constructively with U.S. counterparts, stating, “we want to have a very constructive, deep, friendly, partners conversation.”
These negotiations occurred shortly after Russia reported a significant drone attack attributed to Ukraine, claiming to have intercepted 337 drones with casualties reported. If confirmed, this could represent one of the largest attacks since the beginning of the war, signifying Ukraine’s determination. This meeting was notable as it was the first U.S.-Ukraine interaction following a suspension of military aid after the prior controversial talks between Trump and Zelensky, which Zelensky labeled as “regrettable.”
Prior to the meeting, Rubio did not clarify what concessions might be needed from Ukraine. Trump’s past comments suggested that Ukraine could be pressured to relinquish some territory, an idea Ukraine has not embraced. Currently, Russian forces occupy nearly 20% of Ukrainian territory, an increase from around 7% at the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, with millions of Ukrainians now living under occupation.
In conclusion, the initial talks between Ukraine and the U.S. yielded a constructive atmosphere aimed at discussing potential compromises and peace initiatives. The emphasis on U.S. security guarantees reflects the ongoing concerns about Russian aggression and the historical precedence of broken agreements. Moving forward, both nations face the challenge of negotiating a feasible peace deal while navigating territorial integrity amid ongoing military engagements.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
