Rubio Supports Ukraine’s Ceasefire Proposal in Anticipated Saudi Talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sees promise in Ukraine’s partial ceasefire proposal ahead of upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukrainian officials. Ukraine will propose an aerial and naval truce, while Russia has previously rejected the idea. Key discussions involve Ukraine’s commitment to peace and potential concessions from both sides. The outcome could impact US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed optimism regarding Ukraine’s proposal for a partial ceasefire in the ongoing three-year conflict with Russia. This statement comes ahead of critical discussions in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian and US officials. Rubio noted, “I’m not saying that alone is enough but it’s the kind of concession you would need to see in order to end the conflict.”
During these negotiations set for Tuesday, Ukraine plans to propose an aerial and naval truce, as confirmed by a Ukrainian official. However, Russia has previously dismissed the concept of a temporary ceasefire, arguing it merely serves to stall and protect Ukraine from military failure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Although he will not formally participate in the negotiations, he will be supported by key Ukrainian officials including his head of office, Andriy Yermak, along with national security advisers and other ministers.
Rubio, heading the US delegation along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, emphasized the need to clarify Ukraine’s commitment to a peace agreement. He stated that Ukraine would have to make challenging concessions as Russia would also need to do the same. He expressed a nonrestrictive stance, focusing on understanding Ukraine’s position and their readiness for negotiation.
Reiterating that there is no military solution to the conflict, Rubio underscored the importance of diplomatic resolution. The conversations come at a crucial time when former President Donald Trump is exerting pressure on Zelensky to accept a ceasefire without US security guarantees.
These talks represent the first formal meeting since Zelensky’s last visit to the White House turned contentious, resulting in a temporary halt to US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Rubio remarked that this aid suspension was a response to perceived Ukrainian reluctance toward pursuing a peace process. He indicated that if Ukraine’s stance changes, US support may also be reconsidered.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, anticipates “substantial progress” from these deliberations. He remains hopeful about Zelensky potentially signing a minerals deal with the US later in the week, which would involve creating a fund sourced from Ukrainian minerals. Topics for discussion include security protocols and territorial disputes.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of the UK has also communicated with Trump prior to these negotiations, expressing hopes for a positive outcome that could restore US aid and intelligence sharing. Since Russia commenced its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has claimed control over about 20 percent of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea, annexed in 2014.
The anticipated talks in Saudi Arabia signify a pivotal moment in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with involved parties aiming for potential concessions that could lead to a ceasefire. US Secretary of State Rubio expressed hopeful ambiguity regarding Ukraine’s peace intentions and emphasized a diplomatic resolution. Both Ukrainian and US officials are preparing to engage in meaningful discussions amidst external pressures for peace. The outcomes of this dialogue may influence future US-Ukraine relations, especially regarding military aid and intelligence sharing.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
