This article discusses the constructive commencement of talks between Ukraine and the United States, following a recent conflict involving U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky. Key points include the importance of security guarantees for peace negotiations, the ongoing Russian occupation of Ukrainian territory, and the implications of recent drone attacks by Ukraine on Russia.

A senior Ukrainian official reported a constructive beginning to new talks with the United States, a significant relief following the recent fallout between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Andriy Yermak, Zelensky’s chief of staff, stated, “the meeting with the US team started very constructively,” emphasizing their intention to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The Ukrainian delegation, not including President Zelensky, engaged with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, both of whom previously participated in direct discussions with Russia. As the meeting progressed, both U.S. officials were seen moving through the Ritz-Carlton hotel lobby in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the discussions took place. In response to inquiries about the talks, Waltz remarked, “getting there.”

Prior to the meeting, Rubio expressed the U.S. desire to obtain more information regarding Ukraine’s position and potential concessions. Yermak refrained from detailing any compromises Ukraine might consider for a peace agreement, highlighting the importance of U.S. security guarantees to prevent further Russian aggression. Security guarantees are a critical point of contention between the U.S. and Ukraine, as Ukraine insists that any peace negotiations must include such assurances.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament, emphasizing the urgent need for increased military supplies and solid security guarantees for Ukraine, stating, “Putin has proven time and again that he is a hostile neighbor. He cannot be trusted, he can only be deterred.”

Yermak acknowledged that security guarantees might not be on the agenda for this meeting, underscoring that initiating the peace process was the primary objective. He insisted on a willingness to engage openly and constructively with U.S. representatives, seeking to establish a pathway towards negotiations.

The meetings occurred shortly after Russia reported being subjected to a “massive” drone attack claimed by Ukraine, with Moscow’s defense ministry stating that it had downed 337 drones aimed at various locations, including the Moscow region. If verified, this attack could signify one of the most extensive assaults on Russia since its commencement of aggression toward Ukraine, reflecting Kyiv’s display of military capability.

This was the first direct interaction between Ukrainian and American officials since the U.S. suspended military aid following the contentious Trump-Zelensky meeting. President Zelensky referred to the encounter as “regrettable” while expressing Ukraine’s readiness to explore conflict resolution, although he did not apologize to Trump.

Rubio did not elaborate on the specific compromises expected from Ukraine; however, Trump has suggested that territorial concessions may be necessary, although Ukraine has not signaled willingness to concede land. Currently, Russian forces occupy nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory, significantly increased from prior to the full-scale invasion in February 2022, with millions of Ukrainians living under occupation. Notably, estimates indicate that Russia occupies about 99% of the Luhansk region and substantial portions of the Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions.

In summary, the initial talks between Ukraine and the United States suggest a potentially constructive dialogue aimed at establishing lasting peace amid ongoing hostilities. Although there remain challenges, particularly regarding security guarantees that Ukraine insists upon, both parties express a mutual intention to engage in further discussions. The backdrop of heightened military actions underscores the urgency for both nations to address the complex issues at hand, particularly in relation to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and future security arrangements.

Original Source: www.cnn.com

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