Zelenskyy to Meet US Officials in Saudi Arabia for Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced talks with US officials will occur in Saudi Arabia next week, following previous tensions with President Trump. Zelenskyy aims to discuss peace negotiations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and US representatives. Recent communications indicate improved seriousness from Ukraine toward peace efforts, with a potential framework for a ceasefire being a goal of the talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that talks with US officials aimed at concluding the ongoing war in Ukraine will occur in Saudi Arabia next week. This development follows a notable tension-filled exchange between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, which failed to produce any progress toward peace efforts amid a backdrop of postponed agreements including a rare earths deal.

In the aftermath of the disagreement, the US administration notably suspended all military and financial support to Ukraine, leading to heightened tensions. However, Zelenskyy expressed optimism, revealing plans to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. This meeting aims to facilitate further discussions with US representatives.

Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving peace, stating, “Next week, on Monday, I am scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia to meet with the Crown Prince. After that, my team will remain in Saudi Arabia to work with American partners. Ukraine is most interested in peace.” US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will join the discussions, indicating that efforts are aimed at drafting a framework for peace and an initial ceasefire.

Earlier, Witkoff highlighted that Ukraine’s seriousness in negotiation has improved, following a letter from Zelenskyy to Trump, expressing gratitude for US support. This sentiment was echoed by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, indicating that Zelenskyy understands the importance of bringing both parties to the negotiation table with Trump acting as a bridge between Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin.

Trump weighed in during an Oval Office briefing, asserting that both Ukraine and Russia desire a deal due to their respective predicaments, indicating the necessity of negotiations to resolve the conflict.

In summary, President Zelenskyy’s upcoming discussions with US officials in Saudi Arabia present an important opportunity to revive peace negotiations in Ukraine. Following a period of heightened tensions and halted support from the US, the discussions signify renewed commitment from both the Ukrainian government and the US to seek a resolution. The engagement of Saudi leadership and US representatives further underscores the diplomatic efforts being employed to establish a framework for peace.

Original Source: www.euronews.com