U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sees promise in Ukraine’s proposed partial ceasefire ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia. Amid ongoing conflict with Russia, negotiations will explore truce proposals and address security issues. The meetings are pivotal for U.S.-Ukrainian relations and could influence military aid and peace processes.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently expressed optimism regarding Ukraine’s proposal for a partial ceasefire as discussions elevate between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia. He commented, “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 the negotiations, Kyiv is anticipated to propose a truce concerning aerial and naval operations with Russia, as reported by a Ukrainian official.

Historically, Russia has dismissed the notion of a temporary ceasefire, alleging it aims to buy time to weaken Ukraine’s military. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia to engage with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though his role in the discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. will remain informal. The Ukrainian delegation will comprise Zelensky’s head of office Andriy Yermak, national security adviser, and several foreign and defense ministers.

Marco Rubio will lead the U.S. contingent alongside National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Rubio emphasized the necessity of clarifying Ukraine’s peace deal intentions and acknowledged the need for concessions from both sides to facilitate a resolution, stating, “We want to listen to see how far they’re willing to go.”

Rubio asserted that the conflict cannot be resolved through military means but rather through diplomatic efforts. Former President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Zelensky to negotiate a ceasefire without explicit U.S. security guarantees. The upcoming talks are significant as they represent the first official meeting since tensions escalated during Zelensky’s previous visit to the White House.

Prior to these discussions, U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine were suspended, ostensibly to encourage Zelensky’s participation in negotiations. Rubio indicated that addressing this aid pause would be pivotal during the negotiations. He implied that a shift in Ukraine’s commitment to the peace process could alter the U.S. position moving forward.

Steve Witkoff, special envoy under Trump, voiced anticipation for “substantial progress” in the negotiations. He expressed hope that Zelensky might travel to the U.S. to finalize a minerals deal shortly thereafter, emphasizing the positive indicators surrounding the talks. Among the focal points at the negotiations will be protocols for Ukrainian security and territorial concerns. Witkoff affirmed that the U.S. has not ceased intelligence sharing for essential defensive needs.

As a contextual backdrop, Russia commenced a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, seizing approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, including the annexed Crimea since 2014.

In summary, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s endorsement of Ukraine’s partial ceasefire proposal signals a potential diplomatic shift in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia are critical, as both sides face pressure to engage in concessions for peace. The discussions are anticipated to address significant territorial and security concerns, with ramifications on U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Ultimately, both countries must recognize that a military solution is unattainable, and diplomacy remains the sole pathway forward.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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