President Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia as the US seeks progress in peace negotiations related to the Ukraine conflict. The talks aim to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to Russia and discuss a potential minerals deal. Russian air strikes pose a renewed threat to Ukraine, highlighting the urgency of the diplomatic efforts.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Saudi Arabia to engage with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the United States aims for meaningful progress in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The Crown Prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s support for international endeavors to resolve the Ukraine crisis, as reported by the Saudi state news agency SPA.

The United States has altered its strategy in the Ukraine conflict, seeking a swift conclusion, which involves direct communication with Moscow. This change has led to a reduction in military support for Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to pursue more pragmatic relations in response to the evolving situation.

Saudi Arabia’s role in mediating the conflict has included facilitating prisoner exchanges and hosting previous discussions between Moscow and Washington. The upcoming talks mark the first official engagement since an earlier contentious meeting between Zelenskyy and US officials, with expectations for substantial advancements.

Steve Witkoff, a former envoy, expressed optimism regarding progress in the negotiations, emphasizing the potential for a significant minerals deal that may be established during this visit. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintained a cautious approach, highlighting the importance of evaluating Kyiv’s readiness to compromise.

Zelenskyy will not personally attend the talks with US representatives but will be represented by key officials including his chief of staff and ministers of foreign affairs and defense. His commitment to constructive dialogue was evident when he expressed hopes for prompt and effective resolutions.

US officials plan to assess Ukraine’s willingness to make concessions to achieve peace. Continuous intelligence support for Ukraine has been reaffirmed, despite prior hesitations surrounding aid. Amid renewed threats, Russia conducted air strikes targeting several Ukrainian regions, underlining the urgent and challenging atmosphere of the talks.

Witkoff noted that the goal of the negotiations is to establish a foundational framework for a peace agreement, alongside an initial ceasefire. Zelenskyy called for a truce as an indicator of Russia’s willingness to negotiate, despite Moscow’s dismissal of temporary ceasefire proposals.

In light of diminishing US support, Zelenskyy is appealing for increased assistance from European allies as Ukraine faces deteriorating military conditions. As Russian forces continue to hold significant Ukrainian territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donetsk region, the urgency for diplomatic solutions remains paramount.

In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia underscores a critical phase in Ukraine’s quest for peace as the US adjusts its diplomatic strategy toward the ongoing conflict. Engaging with the Crown Prince and US officials signifies a concerted effort to foster dialogue, assess the potential for concessions, and attain a viable resolution. Amid escalating military threats from Russia, Zelenskyy’s push for international support is crucial for Ukraine’s sovereignty and stability moving forward.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com

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