The Trump administration claims Ukraine is ready to move forward on a ceasefire with Russia. US officials are set to meet with Ukrainian leaders in Saudi Arabia. President Trump pressures Zelensky for quick concessions while security guarantees remain unconfirmed. The situation follows a public disagreement at the White House, with Ukraine’s leadership eager for peace discussions amid ongoing military conflicts.

The Trump administration asserts that Ukraine is prepared to advance on the US request for a ceasefire with Russia, a claim made by a senior official at the State Department. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with Ukrainian leaders. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a quick ceasefire with Moscow, although no immediate US security assurances have been offered.

In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, resulting in Russia controlling approximately 20% of the country. A State Department official remarked, “The fact that they’re coming here at senior levels is a good indication to us that they want to sit down and they’re ready to move forward.” While Zelensky will be in Saudi Arabia to confer with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he is not expected to formally participate in the talks with US officials.

The Ukrainian delegation will include Zelensky’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, alongside the national security adviser and foreign and defense ministers. In a recent video address, Zelensky conveyed his hopes for progress in achieving peace and securing ongoing support. He faces significant US pressure to concede prior to peace negotiations while requesting firm security guarantees for Kyiv due to past violations of ceasefire agreements by Moscow.

There has been no public acknowledgment of any corresponding pressure from the US on Moscow to yield in negotiations. Following a previous disagreement at the White House, Zelensky expressed remorse for the incident and endeavored to mend relations with the US, which is Ukraine’s largest military provider. Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff noted that Trump received a letter from Zelensky that included expressions of apology and gratitude.

In Saudi Arabia, the US delegation aims to discuss a potential framework for peace to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A significant minerals deal, previously hindered by the discord, is also set to be revisited. Ukraine is looking to exchange access to its rare earth mineral reserves for US security assurances. The incident at the White House resulted in a suspension of military aid to Ukraine and halted intelligence sharing; however, Trump recently indicated that this pause might soon be lifted, stating, “Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done.”

Earlier this year, Rubio engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia as a continuation of Trump’s controversial phone call with Putin.

In conclusion, the US administration believes that Ukraine is willing to engage in discussions regarding a ceasefire with Russia. Senior officials from the US are meeting with Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia, while President Trump continues to apply pressure for concessions from Zelensky. As negotiations proceed, Ukraine seeks security guarantees from the US in exchange for access to its mineral resources, all under the backdrop of ongoing tensions following the Russian invasion.

Original Source: www.bbc.com

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