Key Expectations for US-Ukraine Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia
The US-Ukraine peace talks in Saudi Arabia will address military support and concessions amidst Ukraine’s precarious position against Russian forces. President Trump is optimistic about progress but demands major concessions from Zelensky, amid calls for a partial ceasefire. The situation underscores the complexities of negotiations as Zelensky seeks firm US support while facing opposition to potential territorial compromises.
The upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia will involve discussions between the United States and Ukraine, following a tense recent meeting in Washington, D.C. These talks commence on Tuesday and come after a Russian delegation’s discussions with Trump’s team a month ago. President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that significant progress will be made in these negotiations, though he has voiced uncertainty about Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russia’s invasion.
Ukraine’s primary objective in these discussions is to solidify support from the United States, essential for both Ukraine and Europe. Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, dispatched national security advisor Jonathan Powell to assist Ukraine in preparing for these consequential meetings. Saudi Arabia, a seemingly unusual location, is positioning itself as a mediator for peace negotiations amid escalating tensions.
Among the significant challenges for Ukraine are recent military developments, with Russian forces counterattacking in the Kursk region. This situation complicates Ukraine’s position as they aim to bolster their negotiation leverage before the talks begin in Jeddah, a port city highlighted by Saudi officials.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Saudi Arabia and expressed his commitment to engaging partners focused on peace. However, tensions with Trump arose, with the U.S. President criticizing Zelensky’s readiness to pursue a definitive peace agreement, indicating a possible pause in U.S. military aid following their contentious meeting.
Attendees of the talks will include Zelensky and his key advisors, along with a U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Notably, there are hopes for the resumption of U.S. military support, contingent upon proposals from Ukraine for a partial ceasefire that would limit military operations in the air and sea.
Nevertheless, the U.S. administration is reportedly pushing Zelensky to make concessions regarding territorial disputes, a demand that faces strong opposition within Ukraine. The viability of holding elections amidst the ongoing conflict is also in question, as the Ukrainian government interprets this as a potential legitimization of Russian occupation. Despite Trump advocating for concessions, Zelensky has emphasized that he would relinquish his position for stronger security ties with NATO, a proposal Trump has rejected.
In summary, the upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia signify a critical juncture for Ukraine and the U.S. negotiation strategy amidst ongoing military challenges. Ukraine aims to retrieve robust American support while navigating complex demands for concessions. The stance against elections during martial law underlines the internal divisions and challenges Zelensky faces. The outcome of these talks could significantly influence the course of the conflict and regional stability.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
