Ukrainian officials are scheduled to meet with a U.S. technical team on March 23 in Riyadh, prior to U.S.-Russia discussions on March 24. President Zelensky confirmed the meeting, emphasizing the potential for a partial ceasefire while also noting the absence of direct Ukraine-Russia communications during these talks.

Ukrainian officials are scheduled to meet with a U.S. technical team in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 23, a precursor to U.S.-Russia meetings set for the next day. This meeting is aimed at facilitating discussions in advance of the upcoming talks. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the meeting on March 22, stating, “U.S.-Ukraine meeting will take place tomorrow, March 23, in Saudi Arabia.”

The U.S. plans to conduct diplomatic talks with Moscow concurrently in Jeddah, according to U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff. The arrangements indicate a strategic sequence of discussions, with separate meetings planned for both Ukrainian and Russian delegates. This format, referred to as “shuttle diplomacy” by Special Envoy Keith Kellog, aims to navigate the complexities of the discussions effectively.

On March 21, CBS News correspondent Jennifer Jacobs reported that a meeting between Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives was imminent prior to the discussions scheduled with Russia. She noted that the U.S. technical team intends to engage with Ukrainian officials one day prior, enhancing the dialogue’s potential effectiveness. Jacobs added, “If progress is made in Riyadh with Russian team, the U.S. technical team may meet again with the Ukrainians’ team later Monday.”

Zelensky confirmed on March 22 that the meeting will occur, with Ukraine’s delegation to be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Pavlo Palisa, the deputy head of the President’s Office. Both figures participated in previous U.S.-Ukraine talks in Jeddah. Furthermore, Zelensky indicated that the focus will be on discussing a potential partial ceasefire, without direct communication between Ukraine and Russia during the Riyadh talks.

In summary, Ukrainian officials are set to engage with a U.S. technical team in Riyadh on March 23, ahead of separate diplomatic discussions with Russia on March 24. President Zelensky’s confirmation highlights Ukraine’s focus on exploring a potential ceasefire while maintaining a strategic diplomatic approach through the scheduled talks.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com

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