Zelensky Discusses U.S. Talks Amid Russian War Conditions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced upcoming talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia aimed at finding a resolution to the war with Russia. The discussions will focus on cease-fire terms, though Zelensky criticized Russia’s preconditions as obstructive. He also affirmed Ukraine’s stance on preventing U.S. ownership of Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly nuclear facilities, asserting the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty and energy security.

On March 21, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and U.S. officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss efforts to conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia. At a press conference in Oslo alongside Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Store, Zelensky indicated that technical teams from both nations would first address the terms related to an energy and infrastructure cease-fire.

Zelensky expressed concerns regarding Russian preconditions, including demands for the U.S. to end military assistance to Ukraine. He criticized these conditions for unnecessarily extending the conflict, stating, “Moscow must stop making unnecessary demands that only prolong the war.” He also highlighted Russia’s success in eliminating the topic of NATO membership from negotiations and emphasized Ukraine’s desire to join the alliance as a significant diplomatic goal.

The Russian side confirmed participation in separate negotiations in Riyadh, sending an expert group led by Senator Grigory Karasin. The discussions are expected to focus on potentially reviving the 2022 Black Sea Initiative, which previously facilitated unhindered grain and fertilizer exports. Nonetheless, Russian representatives maintained that the U.S. must cease military support to Ukraine in order to achieve any fruitful dialogue.

Zelensky firmly rejected any notion of U.S. ownership of crucial Ukrainian infrastructure, specifically the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station, stating that it is state-owned and any transfer would be illegal. He mentioned that should U.S. interests involve modernizing the plant, he would be open to discussions, while reiterating Ukraine’s position on property rights.

Finally, Zelensky dismissed media reports suggesting U.S. ownership of Ukraine’s energy sector as a protective measure, asserting the nation’s integration with Europe’s energy grid is vital for its security.

In summary, President Zelensky highlighted the upcoming U.S.-Ukrainian talks and the need for clear terms on cease-fires with Russia. He criticized Moscow’s demands that hinder peace efforts while expressing Ukraine’s aspirations for NATO membership. Furthermore, he firmly rejected any transfer of Ukrainian infrastructure to the U.S., confirming that ownership discussions had not occurred. Zelensky emphasized Wales’ integration with Europe for energy security.

Original Source: www.upi.com