Zelensky’s Stand on U.S.-Ukraine Talks with Russia Ahead of Saudi Meeting
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced talks in Saudi Arabia with U.S. officials to resolve the war with Russia, focusing on cease-fires and civilian infrastructure protection. He criticized Russian demands that the U.S. halt military support and expressed disappointment over NATO membership issues. Discussions will also address energy security and the ownership of Ukrainian power plants amidst ongoing tensions between the nations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that U.S. and Ukrainian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia for talks aimed at resolving the ongoing war with Russia. The discussions will include technical teams from both parties, focusing on establishing an energy and infrastructure cease-fire. Zelensky emphasized the importance of presenting a list of civilian infrastructure that should be protected during negotiations, alongside U.S. diplomatic efforts to bridge gaps with Moscow.
Zelensky criticized Russia’s preconditions for the talks, which include demands for the U.S. to cease all military aid to Ukraine and limit Ukraine’s mobilization capacity. He commented on the negative impact of such demands, suggesting they merely extend the conflict. He also expressed disappointment over NATO membership discussions being sidelined, emphasizing Ukraine’s desire to join the alliance and the strategic importance of U.S. support.
Russia will send a delegation to separate talks with U.S. officials, led by Senator Grigory Karasin. Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council, Sergei Kislyak, indicated that their agenda will focus on resuming the Black Sea initiative, which allows Russian fertilizers and Ukrainian grain exports. Kislyak maintained that Russia would not make concessions, criticizing perceived EU hostility and reiterating demands for the U.S. to halt military support to Ukraine.
Zelensky firmly rejected suggestions that the U.S. should take ownership of Ukraine’s power plants, specifically the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, asserting that such assets belong to the Ukrainian people. He highlighted the severe operational challenges posed by Russia’s seizure and declared that the ownership issue is non-negotiable. However, Zelensky indicated openness to U.S. investment aimed at modernizing these facilities if they were to be operated by Ukrainians.
Concerning media speculation about U.S. control over Ukraine’s energy sector, Zelensky clarified that discussions did not endorse this concept, asserting that the majority of energy infrastructure remains state-owned and asserting that integration with Europe’s energy grid provides significant security benefits for Ukraine.
The upcoming U.S.-Ukrainian talks in Saudi Arabia reflect a critical step toward resolving the conflict with Russia, focusing on cease-fire details related to energy and infrastructure. Zelensky’s criticisms of Russian demands and NATO membership exclusion underscore the complexities involved. Russia’s positions at the negotiation table emphasize the ongoing tensions. Open discussions regarding U.S. investment in Ukrainian energy infrastructure reflect a strategic approach to enhancing national security while maintaining ownership integrity.
Original Source: www.upi.com
