Ukraine Avoids Direct Interaction with Russia in Upcoming Talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukraine will not engage directly with Russia during the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia on March 24, focusing instead on technical negotiations with the U.S. It is unclear how the U.S. will conduct the talks. Ukraine prepares for discussions on ceasefire operations amid ongoing Russian attacks.
On March 21, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhii Tykhyi announced that Ukrainian and Russian delegations will not engage directly during the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia on March 24. This announcement followed U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg’s confirmation of indirect negotiations, with Ukrainian and Russian representatives meeting in separate rooms.
Tykhyi expressed uncertainty regarding the negotiation format that the U.S. will implement in Riyadh, stating, “This is their choice. But we are preparing for the talks in Saudi Arabia as bilateral Ukrainian-American ones.” Therefore, Ukraine perceives this meeting more as a technical dialogue rather than a political one.
Tykhyi explained that the focus will be on practical discussions involving professionals from both the Ukrainian and American sides aimed at establishing details surrounding a potential ceasefire. Key aspects include defining operations, control mechanisms, and oversight of the ceasefire agreement.
Additionally, Tykhyi confirmed that Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha will not be attending this round of discussions. The delegations in Riyadh will notably feature Russian officials including Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda, although the Ukrainian representatives are yet to be officially announced.
In previous discussions on March 11, Ukrainian and U.S. representatives met in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine accepted a U.S. proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire; however, Russia remained unyielding, persisting with missile and drone attacks against Ukraine.
The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia signify a complex negotiation climate, as Ukraine seeks to maintain its stance while engaging technically with the U.S. Ukraine will not directly interact with Russia, focusing instead on the mechanics of a ceasefire with American assistance. The absence of Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha indicates a strategic approach to these discussions, emphasizing the need for detailed understandings among involved parties.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
