US-Ukraine Diplomatic Efforts: Seeking Resumption of Aid and Ceasefire Negotiations
Ukrainian officials engage in talks with U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia aiming to resume intelligence sharing and military aid halted by Trump. Zelenskyy proposes a ceasefire to negotiate an end to the war with Russia, while concerns remain from Moscow and U.S. reluctance complicates matters.
Ukrainian officials are engaging in critical talks with U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week, aiming to persuade Washington to resume intelligence sharing and military aid, which was halted during President Trump’s administration. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to advocate for quick negotiations to achieve an end to the ongoing conflict with Russia, according to reports from Financial Times.
Ukrainian negotiators are proposing a partial ceasefire that would cover long-range drone strikes, missile strikes, and combat operations in the Black Sea, hoping to secure increased U.S. support. The discussions occur following Ukraine’s withdrawal from seized Russian territories in the Kursk region, a notable consequence of the U.S. aid suspension. Kyiv seeks to restore relations with Washington, viewing progress in ceasefire talks as crucial for obtaining military and intelligence support.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before formal negotiations begin. The Ukrainian delegation led by Andriy Yermak includes key officials such as Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also participate in discussions from Monday to Wednesday, aiming to facilitate the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Previous tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine’s war strategy led to a decline in relations following a February 28 meeting at the White House. To restore U.S. backing, Ukrainian officials have adopted a more conciliatory diplomatic approach.
Trump remains hesitant to reengage with military support. Although he did not directly mention the Saudi talks in a recent Fox News interview, he expressed confidence that a minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine was forthcoming. However, according to NBC News, such an agreement alone may not be enough for Trump to reinstate the aid, with his administration requesting shifts in Ukraine’s peace position, including possible territorial concessions and the governance issues concerning Zelenskyy’s presidency.
European allies have shown solidarity with Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that Brussels and Kyiv are collaborating closely on the matter. Meanwhile, a coalition of approximately 20 countries, including the UK and France, is reportedly exploring options to maintain support for Ukraine upon a potential ceasefire, although Trump has not committed to this initiative.
In pursuit of further U.S. assistance, Ukraine has outlined a detailed ceasefire framework. This plan starts with stopping aerial attacks and naval operations, ceasing strikes on energy and civilian infrastructures, and then progresses to prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia. Despite these efforts, skepticism remains from Moscow, with Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, rejecting any temporary pause in hostilities without a “final settlement.”
The talks between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia focus on revitalizing military aid and intelligence sharing, following a period of tension and aid suspension. Ukraine’s proposed ceasefire plan aims to negotiate an end to the war while restoring ties with Washington. However, skepticism from Moscow and Trump’s reluctance to fully reengage with military support present challenges ahead for Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts. Overall, Ukrainian officials are striving to secure international backing while navigating complex political dynamics.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
